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Cook happy to be in mix

Image: Paul Cook: Eyeing play-off berth

Paul Cook was full of praise for Chesterfied's efforts after a 0-0 draw at Oldham moved the Spireites even closer to a play-off spot.

Cook's side can only miss out on a top-six finish if they lose their final two games and seventh-placed Rochdale end the season with three consecutive wins. Chesterfield goalkeeper Tommy Lee denied Oldham a 20th-minute breakthrough when he touched Connor Brown's low shot round the post. Lee also saved well from Rhys Murphy before the in-form visitors, with five wins in their previous six matches, began to take control after the break. Ian Evatt forced a smart save from Oldham keeper Joel Coleman, but Chesterfield missed the best chance of the game when Sam Clucas hit the post and Armand Gnanduillet blazed the rebound off target from six yards. Cook said: "There was never going to be a goal unless there was a bit of magic, but it's a good away point for us. "Only Rochdale can catch us now and we know they have to win all of their last three games. "It was apparent from the first ball that it wasn't going to be a game of football today. "That's no disrespect to Oldham because they like to pass the ball around as well, but the conditions made it difficult and it wasn't a good spectacle. "Neither team did enough to win, but we shake hands on it and look ahead to our next game when hopefully there will be a carnival atmosphere if everything goes well. "For us to be in the play-off area with two games left is fantastic and the players deserve great credit. I'm delighted for everybody at the club." Oldham caretaker manager Dean Holden, who has been in charge for almost two months, is in the running for the permanent role. Holden said: "If the chairman decides to offer me the job then we'll have that conversation, but for now I can only keep preparing the players for every game. "How they perform will decide whether or not I'm in the frame, but every time I walk into the building I can guarantee giving it everything I've got. "The lads are applying themselves very well in training and in games, which will continue until the end of the season. "We were missing eight today through injury and illness, but the big positives are the clean sheet and the way they all kept working for each other. "Three points would have been nice, but I enjoyed the discipline and the commitment that we showed. "Chesterfield are a really good side who are going to be in the play-offs, but there was a lot for us to be pleased about."

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