How John Pemberton has helped boost confidence of Chesterfield striker Tom Denton

The 30-year-old gave Chesterfield the lead in the second-half against Eastleigh on Saturday as the Spireites ran out 2-0 winners.

It was the striker’s first goal since notching against Aldershot on November 30.

It was also the first time he completed 90 minutes without being substituted since the FA Cup qualifier against Wrexham on October 19.

"He stuck at it and he was immense at the end in our box defending especially from set-pieces,” Pemberton said.

"I can't tell you how many times he stuck his head on it.”

Denton was injured for the first 10 games of the season but helped Town to their first win of the season at the 11th attempt on his return.

He did not start any of John Sheridan’s last four matches in charge but is back in contention under Pemberton, who has ‘put an arm round him’.

On how big a moment that will be for the forward’s confidence, Pemberton added: "I think it is massive.

"He was honest when I first came in.

"The first one I spoke to was him. He was first to admit he was struggling with confidence.

"But all you have got to do is give him a cuddle.

"He is a big old boy but everybody needs an arm round them every now and again. Everybody needs encouraging and I think with that you will get a little bit more out of people.”