Interview | Clark: Keep believing and stick together

Blyth Spartans manager Lee Clark has called on everyone to keep believing and stick together following Saturday's defeat to Altrincham. 

The 3-0 scoreline means Spartans are six points adrift from National League North safety with some clubs holding as many as three games in-hand.

Blyth's home game with Altrincham was one of two games that survived the weather at the weekend with Storm Dennis causing havoc across the country.

Clark said: "In the first half I thought we handled the weather conditions well but in the second, we didn't perform and failed to put the Altrincham defence under pressure. 

"We conceded three and it could have been more in it wasn't for Zach Hemming in goal. He's been fantastic for us but we need to help him by the 10 outfield players defending better.

"We have to keep the goals against column down and it is as a group that we need to address the issue."

The former Birmingham City manager went on to address the loan player situation after Leighton McIntosh and Aaron Cunningham made their debuts on Saturday.

He added: "We also have to be braver in front of goal. McIntosh did OK on his debut and showed some good link-up play with (Macaulay) Langstaff early on. But we didn't get enough ball to them.

"McIntosh only met the lads for the first time just before the game. This week he will get to know everyone much better at two training sessions.

"I was also pleased with Aaron Cunningham's return. He did very well. I liked what I saw and, in fact, he was one of our most outstanding players.

"It's not ideal having loan players but we need to get new players in."

And ahead of this weekend's trip to Farsley Celtic, Clark has called on everyone to stick together in the final 11 games of the season.

"It is a relatively short trip for us so we should be fresher than usual," Clark said. "The pitch is unlikely to be great and we have to be ready to battle, keep believing and stick together."