TOWN boss Lee Clark had his whole staff out at matches this weekend.

Following Friday’s 1-0 win against Millwall, Clark himself went to watch May 1 opponents Colchester lose 3-1 at Hartlepool.

Terry McDermott, Derek Fazackerley, Steve Black and Paul Stephenson were also out on assignment.

And Clark explained: “We have to keep our focus on future opponents, potential signings and all that is going on.

“We have to keep the club progressing, because we are progressing with the backing of the owner (Dean Hoyle) who is a fan and wants to take the club as far as he possibly can.

“This club has made huge strides in a short space of time and we have to continue that.”

Clark described Friday’s win as the best of his managerial career and gave special mention to goalscorer Peter Clarke, his close-season capture from Southend.

“I was pleased with the whole team defensively because they all did a shift as we came under pressure from Millwall,” he said.

“The lads defended very well and Peter Clarke has been an outstanding signing for us and a terrific captain.

“He was the first to congratulate the other players on a terrific defensive job and everyone made a massive contribution.”

Next up for Clarke and Co on Saturday are already-relegated Stockport, who slumped 2-0 at Leyton Orient.

County looked solid before half-time – keeper Owain fon Williams ensured they went in level at the break with some impressive saves – but they were undone in the second half.

Eight minutes after the restart fon Williams failed to hold onto a speculative strike from Sean Thornton and palmed the rebound into the path of Ryan Jarvis, who slotted home his first goal in 15 games.

Stockport failed to create a meaningful chance after that, and the home side deservedly doubled their lead 12 minutes from time when right-back Eric Lichaj bagged his first goal since arriving on loan from Aston Villa with a piledriver from 25 yards out.

It was the basement side’s 28th defeat of the season.