Post-match | Hawkins reacts to debut defeat

BY Aaron Hindhaugh/ Russell Wynn

Lewis Hawkins made his debut against Darlington on Wednesday night but was unable to stop Blyth Spartans falling to a 2-1 defeat.

The former Hartlepool United man admitted that it wasn't the result he wanted for his debut, and despite only having just joined the club, he is as keen as anyone to see Blyth picking up points and climbing the table.

The 26-year-old, from Middlesbrough, became the second player in as many days to join Lee Clark's side last wee after Callum Roberts, formerly of Newcastle United, arrived.

Following a loan spell with Whitby Town, Hawkins made his Pools debut in 2011 during a 0-0 draw at Walsall when the club was in League One, although took a few years to establish himself as a first-team regular.

Lewis was also was an unused sub on a very memorable night for Blyth, as Spartans recorded a shock 2-1 FA Cup second round win at Victoria Park in December 2014.

Hawkins spoke after the defeat to Darlington, he said: "It's not the result we wanted, we got off to a cracking start with Callum's goal.

"We've got to keep hold of that 1-0 lead for a while and then we've made a bad decision and it should've just got cleared.

"It was then back against the walls for us but we've got to move on and get ready for Saturday."

Lewis admits that there are things Spartans need to improve upon to start turning these result around.

He added: "There are things we need to improve on.

"We need to keep hold of the ball a little bit better and make the right decisions, but there's enough in there to go on and get results.

Lewis also believes that confidence is the key to getting things right on the pitch.

"We have to be confident going into every game.

"We have to be confident of getting a win and when it comes hopefully we'll get on that run and get us up and running."