Interview | Lee Clark on Southport defeat and festive games

Lee Clark has spoken about the importance of Blyth Spartans' upcoming games after a 4-1 defeat to Southport on Saturday afternoon.

Three first-half goals for The Port did the damage for Spartans despite a spirited second 45 minutes in which Rhys Evans scored to make it 3-1 at one stage.

Clark said: "We didn't start particularly well and they targeted us in certain areas. We then made one or two tweaks to the system that we thought combated that.

"First half was just nowhere near what I expect. Second-half, we made a few changes in personnel and the system and we built a bit of momentum.

"We got it back to 3-1 but we give another disappointing individual goal away. Today is very frustrating for me.

"I wasn't expecting that type of result or performance but we have to move on very, very quickly."

Over the festive period, Clark's side face Gateshead twice, Darlington, Kidderminster Harriers and Altrincham.

"We've got massive games coming up - we need to start getting results as the table is telling us we are getting a little bit adrift.

"It was a terrible result for us, certainly one we weren't expecting but ultimately, we need to forget about today quickly and bounce back.

"What we can't do is rely on the opposition. We've got to rely on ourselves. We have got to get wins - it is simple as that."