Cook looks ahead to play-offs

Chesterfield manager Paul Cook hailed his players as "outstanding" after they earned a 1-1 draw at play-off rivals Sheffield United.

Marc McNulty gave the home side a first-half lead with a powerful effort from the edge of the box, before Ian Evatt equalised with a header in the second half. The Blades took the lead in the 33rd minute when defender John Brayford found McNulty on the edge of the area and his effort comprehensively beat keeper Tommy Lee. The equaliser came when Daniel Jones' lofted cross from the edge of the box found Evatt, who rose well to head from close range past keeper Mark Howard. Both teams made changes in an attempt to force a winner and with one eye on the play-offs. Cook said: "I thought we were outstanding today. We were a credit to the club and our supporters. "I thought Sheffield United scored very much against the run of play. Sometimes we have the ability to lose close games, but if this was the first leg of the play-offs then we would be going into the second leg at home on the back of a 1-1 draw with it all to play for. "I felt the equaliser coming. I just wanted us to go on and try and win the game. You've got to play the game like you believe it should be played and that's what we did. "We can all look back on a very successful season and we can all be proud." Sheffield United manager Nigel Clough added: "We got the point and we always wanted to finish fifth. With the way results have gone if we had lost we'd be playing Preston in the play-offs. "We've got an idea of the team for Thursday. Most of our changes today were legitimate injury concerns. The only one who was outright rested today was Jamie Murphy, who we didn't want to risk. "It was a great chance for some 17-year-olds and a few 18-year-olds to have go. We looked a little short at times but it's great experience for them for the future. "Stefan Scougall was a major plus today. He's coming back from injury but up until he felt his calf again he was very good."