Notts County will take a one-goal lead into the second leg of their League Two play-off semi-final after Jayden Luker's first-half finish settled a tight contest at the SMH Group Stadium.
Chesterfield had the chance to set the tone early, but Lee Bonis's penalty came back off the post, and the visitors made them pay before the interval.
Bonis penalty rattles the woodwork
The home side had a great chance to take the lead after five minutes when Liam Mandeville was fouled in the area by Lucas Ness. Bonis stepped up from the spot but sent his low effort against the foot of the post, sparing the visitors an early setback.