"It definitely had an impact on my players" - John Pemberton on death of former Chesterfield player Jordan Sinnott

Sinnott, 25, was assaulted on a night out in Retford on Friday, January 24 and passed away the next day.

Three men have been charged in connection with the incident.

A number of Town’s players knew Sinnott, who played for Matlock Town at the time of his death, and were good friends with him.

Chesterfield’s players wore black armbands as a mark of respect against County and there was a minute’s applause for Sinnott before kick-off.

In the 25th minute of the game Spireites supporters paid tribute to him by singing “there’s only one Jordan Sinnott.”

"It has been a tough week with everything that has gone on,” Pemberton said.

"I don't want to make excuses for them but the facts are we have been a bit flat this week. I am sure we will be a lot better on Saturday.

"I am sure it did (have an impact).

“What I saw on Monday morning - I tried to play it down a little bit - it was very difficult Monday morning.

"I thought we started the game alright but it has definitely had an impact on some of the players.

"I think we have showed a lot of class as a club and our supporters have shown a lot of class and we can only thank them for that."