Sky Sports has confirmed that the first leg of the Sky Bet League Two play-off semi-final between Chesterfield and Notts County will be broadcast live on Sunday 10 May 2026, with kick-off at 6pm from the Technique Stadium. The announcement comes as the regular season reaches its climax, setting up a pivotal encounter that will take one team a step closer to a Wembley final and promotion to League One.
Both Chesterfield and Notts County finished the 2025/26 League Two campaign inside the top seven, earning their places in the end-of-season lottery. For the Spireites and the Magpies, the play-off route represents a chance to escape the fourth tier after campaigns that promised much but came up just short of automatic promotion. The tension of two-legged semi-finals is set to captivate audiences, with every pass and tackle carrying enormous weight.
The selection of this fixture for live coverage by Sky Sports underscores the commercial and competitive appeal of the tie. With two well-supported clubs from distinct footballing regions, the broadcast will offer a national stage for what could be a fiercely contested affair. The first leg at Chesterfield’s home ground gives the Derbyshire club a potentially crucial advantage, but Notts County will travel confident of nicking a result to take back to Meadow Lane.
Historically, meetings between these two sides have carried an edge, given their non-league pasts and recent battles in the lower tiers. Chesterfield’s return to the Football League after a spell outside has been steady, while Notts County — the oldest professional club in the world — continue their long journey to reclaim lost status. A play-off semi-final adds a fresh chapter to this developing narrative, rekindling a rivalry that has simmered for years.
The implications of the tie are profound. Promotion to League One would bring increased television revenue, higher attendances, and the chance to compete against bigger clubs. For a club like Chesterfield, it would reinforce their upward trajectory since returning to the EFL. For Notts County, it would end a lengthy absence from the third tier and reward their long-suffering support with a tangible step forward.
From a tactical standpoint, the first leg is often a cagey affair, with neither side wanting to concede an away goal — even if that rule no longer applies in the EFL. Managers will have to balance caution with ambition, knowing that the semi-final is effectively a 180-minute battle. Both squads will be finely tuned after gruelling regular seasons, and the selection dilemmas could prove decisive.
A source close to the broadcasting arrangements noted: “This match has all the ingredients for a classic play-off encounter: rivalry, history, and the prize of Wembley. We expect strong viewing figures.” While no direct quotes from the clubs have been released, the excitement among supporter groups is palpable on social media platforms, with fans already dissecting the possibilities.
Fans unable to attend the Technique Stadium can follow the action exclusively on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning well ahead of the 6pm kick-off. For those without a subscription, the game represents a compelling reason to sign up, as the play-offs approach their dramatic conclusion. The broadcast window ensures that every moment of the first leg will be captured under the lights.
Looking ahead, the second leg will follow a few days later, though the exact date is yet to be confirmed. The winner over two legs will advance to the final at Wembley, scheduled for later in May, where one victory stands between them and life in a higher division. The stakes could scarcely be higher, with the financial and sporting rewards of promotion reshaping a club’s future.
As the two clubs prepare for this high-stakes showdown, the broader League Two picture will be closely watched by neutrals. The play-offs have a reputation for serving up unforgettable moments, and this semi-final is primed to join that tradition. With so much on the line, the first leg promises to be a gripping start to a tie that could define the legacies of both Chesterfield and Notts County. Based on reporting from Sky Sports.