Sunday 11 January 2015 17:29, UK
Blackpool manager Lee Clark refused to comment on off-field financial pressures and instead hailed his side's fighting qualities after they dug deep to claim a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Millwall.
Defender Peter Clarke was the unlikely match-winner for Blackpool as he scored his first goal of the season to give the Tangerines hope they can still beat the drop from the Sky Bet Championship.
The Seasiders had only won one of their previous 14 games in all competitions and earlier in the week owner Owen Oyston wrote an open letter to disgruntled Blackpool supporters.
But after seeing Clarke's first-half header allow Blackpool to make up ground on the clubs around them at the foot of the Championship, Clark was elated with the battling qualities displayed.
Clark, who identified the contract extension signed by former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara as a huge turning point this week, said: "It just goes to show how digging in deep and being resilient is crucial.
"We've created some decent opportunities, we'd like a bit more belief in the attacking third but that bit of belief helps you.
"We need that spirit. Let's be truthful we're not going to go and out play teams or out pass them. We need to have fight and show courage and determination. Every game is a cup final mentally.
"In all my three managerial jobs, I've never got involved in financial situations. I advise the board what I think about players.
"Jamie O'Hara has been terrific. He lifts the players. I noticed at the start of the week when he hadn't signed that there was quietness around the group. When we got him signed it lifted the group and me as well.
"I've never wavered in my praise for the fans ever since I came to the club. Whatever is happening I've just got to make sure they've got a team to be proud of.
"I hope they see that we work hard for them and we're trying to give them some kind of response."
The game's only goal came against the run of play in the 33rd minute when Clarke headed O'Hara's free-kick low into the left corner from eight yards.
The visitors spurned several chances to equalise and manager Ian Holloway was incredulous as to how his side slid to defeat.
He said: "How is that a defeat? I can't understand it.
"The chances we created on a terrible surface. The events that lead to their goal were pretty bizarre. My right-back wins a great header and the ref gives a free-kick. We've got to defend better and we've got to finish those situations better.
"We've got to bounce back with a cup game (against Bradford) in midweek. Stronger together is our motto, and without that you can't play for this club.
"I've got to make sure I bring the right balance to make sure we can. That cup tie is vital. We want to play Chelsea in the next round. At the minute it isn't good enough so the lads have got to stick together and give a rousing performance against Bradford."
