Jim Bentley says he is looking forward to returning to league action as they travel to Tamworth.
The high-flying Lambs are challenging National League North favourites Scunthorpe United and currently sit two points behind The Irons.
Port exited the Liverpool Senior Cup and FA Trophy within a matter of days suffering a 4-1 and 6-1 defeat to Runcorn Linnets and National League leaders Chesterfield.
Despite the sobering defeats for the Sandgrounders, Bentley believes the two results are isolated in what has been a brilliant run of form – insisting that there is more positivity than negativity at Haig Avenue
“We changed a lot of personnel for the game against Runcorn Linnets, it was a bit of a whirlwind and sometimes you learn from defeats – I was bitterly disappointed,” he told Off The Park.
“You go to Chesterfield, a little bit of illness in camp, we were trying to recruit a centre-half, we had one recognised central defender going to the top of the division above.I thought for 60 minutes we gave a good account of ourselves, the third goal was schoolboy from my point of view but after that, it only looked like us that was going to score.
“David Morgan had a great chance and then we conceded a freak cross-shot and done on our own set-play and countered.
“The last goal is a freak and shouldn’t go in so I’ve been a little bit disappointed in our play in the two games but there’s factors on them results and how we conceded.
“We’ve stripped it back, we’ve spoken to individuals, spoken to the team and done our preparation for Tamworth so hopefully we can get back on track on our league form – which has been a lot more positive than negative.”
Bentley came close to scooping the National League North Manager of the Month award in October – but striker Marcus Carver would take home the Player of the Month award.
The former Morecambe boss didn’t have to wait too much longer as he was handed the accolade for November.
But the Southport manager demands that the standards continue to rise – paying tribute to his backroom staff and the players for their part in winning the award.
“It’s nice but it should be manager, staff and players of the month because I get the award and pats on the back but this represents all the hard work, not just me,” said Bentley. “Everyone is putting a shift in and the players are doing well, ultimately that’s why we’ve had a good month. We’ve just got to keep going.”
Tamworth and Southport had to share the spoils when the two sides met earlier in the season. Andy Peaks’ side were forced to play a large period with a man disadvantage following a red card.
The Lambs go into the clash on the back of defeat to Chester and Bentley is under no illusions the promotion-chasers will be looking to restore their form.
He added: “They’re good at home, a strong, powerful side. They’ll ask questions of us defensively, they’ve been doing that all season, they’re on the crest of a wave and well-structured.
“They’ve got that feel-good factor from last season’s promotion, they’re good on setplays, have players who can create or score from nothing so they will ask questions and that’s why they’re at the top end.
“Chester have beaten them, Banbury beat them at home recently and I fancy us to score against anyone I think we’ve got that in our locker and we’re creating opportunities.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge, looking forward to getting our league campaign back underway – feels like ages since we’ve had a league game, especially at home – it’ll be a tough challenge but one we’ll embrace and do all we can to win the game.
“Your mentality has to be that you can win every game and we went to Scunthorpe thinking we can win the game, they’re the favourite to win the league but it doesn’t mean you go there to make the numbers up.
“We’ve got to take positives and our form away from home has been good, we’ve taken a lot of points, we have to prepare right, we’ll be fully focused and I know 100 percent what to expect at Tamworth. I think if we can do as we’ve been doing away from home, you have to take confidence that you can become a match for anyone.”
