The Spireites would have advanced on Saturday had second-place Barnet lost 1-0 at Woking, but they were only able to secure a 2-2 draw at Oldham Athletic.
It’s all but over for the Blues because they lead the table by 24 points and have a far better goal differential. If Barnet loses to Eastleigh on Tuesday night, they might win it without ever having to play. Alternatively, Town may seal it when they visit Halifax on Wednesday evening.
In the midday kickoff at Boundary Park, Chesterfield rallied from a 2-0 deficit against Oldham, but only victory would have secured their promotion.
After 23 minutes, the Latics led 2-0 when Harry Tyrer pulled down former Spireite Andy Dallas, setting up James Norwood for the penalty. Dan Gardner, another former Townie, then surged ahead to extend the lead.
The finest player for Chesterfield, Bailey Hobson, cut the lead in half following his maiden league start four minutes later. Later in the half, he won a penalties, which Quigley converted soon after the hour.
After both teams missed the crossbar in the second half, the match was over and there was no winner.
There were four changes from the win against Oxford City on Tuesday night with Darren Oldaker, Hobson, Michael Jacobs and Quigley replacing Ollie Banks, Liam Mandeville, Armando Dobra and Will Grigg, who made up a very attacking bench. There was also a change in formation from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-2-1 with Hobson and Jacobs playing behind Quigley.
Oldham were tipped to be up there with Chesterfield this season but they went into this game 33 points worse off and one place outside the play-off positions.
The reverse fixture had been spicy and controversial and there was an electric atmosphere at Boundary Park, including 1,700 Spireites in the sold-out away end.
Oldham led after 13 minutes when Dallas beat the offside trap and was then brought down by Tyrer, who was booked, and Norwood tucked away the spot-kick.
