The Spireites could have clinched the title at home to second-placed Bury on Easter Monday but lost 3-2.
A goalless draw at Torquay on Friday night then left the door ajar for the Shakers to take over top spot if they could beat Wycombe at Gigg Lane the following day but the Shakers lost 3-1, meaning victory in Devon would have seen Sheridan's side crowned champions.
But Chesterfield are in control of their own destiny again and will win the league if they avoid defeat to play-off chasing Gillingham at the B2net Stadium in the final game of the season on Saturday.
"We were all down after the Bury game, you'd have thought we'd been relegated, but we've got promotion," said Sheridan. "It's just the way promotions happen, we've been miles and miles ahead all season, we get it when we're not playing and it's just gone a bit flat.
"We want to win the league, the lads are gutted that we've not made it our title already. No-one's going to give you anything, you've got to earn the right and we've another tough game on Saturday."
Source: PA
Source: PA