'I think it is actually a good game for us' - John Pemberton backs Chesterfield to bounce back after 'sucker-punch' Torquay United defeat

Town conceded in the 94th minute and Pemberton said it was ‘probably the worst’ he had felt in his time in charge and that it ‘hurt’ him.

Chesterfield are back in action against title favourites Stockport County at the Technique Stadium on Saturday in front of the BT Sport cameras.

When asked if it will be tough to raise morale following the late defeat at Plainmoor, Pembertold told the DT: “No. The lads are fine. I spoke to them all this morning. We never have a doom and gloom meeting. It is never like that because I don’t like them.

"It is probably the worst I have felt after Tuesday’s game because it was a real sucker-punch. I didn’t feel great after the game and I didn’t feel great on Wednesday but we get our head around it and we move on. The lads are in good spirits, they know what the task is on Saturday and we look forward to the game.”

Responding to a defeat is something that Chesterfield have been good at under Pemberton and he believes they are capable of doing the same again this weekend.

“We went a goal down the other night I felt against the run of play but I think we responded brilliantly,” he added. “Second half was slightly different because we got pinned back a little bit more.

“We need to start the game well and we are ready to go. Are we capable of beating Stockport? I think we are. If we get it right and they do their jobs properly and concentrate for 95 minutes then yes we are. I think it is actually quite a good game for us. It will be difficult but we can be more than a match if we get it right.”

Tom Denton has three goals in as many games and he will be aiming to keep his run going against the Hatters.

“We know what he is capable of, and what he can’t do, but he still has a go at it,” Pemberton said. “He has been a good vocal point for us so he is an important part of what we do.”