Paul Dickov praised his battling Latics players after they failed in their brave attempt to reach Wembley in the Final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

The Latics manager was left to reflect on what might have been as his side created an amazing 47 chances over the two legs against the Spireites.

They carved out a remarkable 25 clear-cut openings at Boundary Park, but just couldn't find a way past visiting keeper Tommy Lee.

Dickov, who said he could not fault the effort and endeavour of his players, admitted the lack of a cutting edge and composure in front of goal proved their undoing.

He said: "You can keep talking about not having the rub of the green or the breaks, but we needed to be more clinical when you look at the number of chances we had.

"We knew we had to attack and to create chances, but also to concentrate at the back and one ball over the top has done us.

"Although it was late in the game when they scored, I still felt we had a chance to nick a goal.

"The effort and application of my players to try and win the game was fantastic.

"I have mixed emotions - gutted and disappointed, but also proud of our performance.

"I am disappointed for the players, the fans, the Chairman that we have not got to Wembley, but it was a fantastic effort from the players."

Dickov thought there was only going to be one winner - Latics - but it was not to be which was disappointing.

The Latics manager added he won't allow the players to feel sorry for themselves saying they still have plenty to play for in the League.

"If we keep putting in performances like that and creating chances, our luck will turn soon. We have to roll up our sleeves between now and the end of the season and get stuck in and push up the League as that is all which is left for us," he said.

Latics made one change from their last npower League One match against Exeter as the fit-again central defender Zander Diamond was back in place of James Tarkowski.

It was clear from the third minute that it might be a frustrating night for Latics when Shefki Kuqi was denied by the upright after being put clean through by a defence-splitting pass from Robbie Simpson.

That was the start of a procession of chances for Latics as Filipe Morais had a bullet header beaten out by Lee who also denied Chris Taylor.

Kuqi snatched at another chance and hit a shot high into the Leesfield Developments Rochdale Road Stand while Morais fired just wide, Simpson's spectacular overhead kick cleared the bar while Tom Adeyemi headed over. And all these chances were in the opening half hour.

Chesterfield only had a couple of sniffs at goal and didn't seriously trouble keeper Alex Cisak.

Latics finished the opening period strongly as Morais had an effort deflected inches wide and James Wesolowski shot just over.

Diamond, hurt late in the half sliding in to cut out a cross, didn't reappear after the break as he was replaced by Tarkowski.

Chesterfield almost snatched an unlikely lead early in the second half when Drew Talbot was played in and found himself with only Cisak to beat, but the big Aussie made what looked like could be a potential match-winning block.

It remained one-way traffic, but Latics became increasingly desperate and their play fragmented as the clock ticked down. Even so they still carved out some great chances.

Jean-Yves M'voto headed narrowly wide, Morais tested Lee again while Simpson fired a free kick into the defensive wall. Chris Taylor shot across the face of goal with Morais unable to apply the finishing touch while Morais hit a free kick a couple of feet over the crossbar. It was looking increasingly destined not to be.

Dickov brought on Keanu Marsh-Brown for his debut and Matt Smith, but they failed to provide the spark to ignite Latics in front of goal.

When Kuqi was denied by a super stop by Lee low at his near post in the 86th minute you had the feeling it might be their last chance.

And so it proved moments later when Latics were undone defensively by a long put over their defence. M'voto and Cisak failed to clear the danger and Jack Lester nipped in-between the pair and managed to scramble the ball over the line.

Latics had two minutes and a further six of stoppages to try and salvage a lost cause, but never looked like scoring once, never mind twice to force the game to a penalty shootout decider.

Latics (4-4-1-1): Cisak; K Lee, Diamond (Tarkowski 46), M'voto, Black; Taylor, Wesolowski (Smith 81), Adeyemi, Morais (Marsh-Brown 71); Simpson; Kuqi. Subs (not used): Bouzanis,Parker.

Chesterfield (4-4-2): T Lee; Hurst, Thompson, Ford, Robertson; Talbot, Davis, Allott, Lowry; Boden (Morgan 80), Lester (Bowery 90+5). Subs (not used): Fleming, Whitaker, Mendy.

The goal: Lester (88) for Chesterfield.

The bookings: Robertson (39), Hurst (62), Allott (64) and Davis (76) for Chesterfield.

Referee: Mr R East.

Attendance: 5,622 (937 visitors).