Lee Clark has called on Hartlepool United to show their strength of character and rediscover their ruthless edge when Woking visit Victoria Park on Saturday.

Pools return home determined to halt a run of three successive defeats following Tuesday night’s narrow 1-0 loss at FC Halifax Town.

Clark’s side began the campaign with victories and clean sheets against Barrow and Aldershot Town before suffering setbacks against Sutton United, Eastleigh and Halifax.

The Pools Head Coach believes his team created enough opportunities to take something from each defeat but accepts they must become more clinical in the decisive moments.

“We’re very determined to put things right because three losses on the bounce is not what we envisaged,” said Clark.

“Everybody is hurting and disappointed, but there is a real determination to get back to winning ways against Woking.

“The Eastleigh game was different because I don’t believe we deserved to lose. We played half of the game with ten men, and I thought the players were terrific.

“We haven’t reached the standards we want to set in the other two games, but when I watched them back, we still created more than enough chances to take something from both Sutton and Halifax. We have to get ourselves back on track.”

Pools began brightly at The Shay and carried a threat throughout the opening quarter, producing several efforts on goal and delivering a succession of crosses and corners into the Halifax penalty area.

They were unable to turn that early pressure into the opening goal, allowing the hosts to work their way into the contest before Will Hugill struck during the second half.

Clark felt his team’s failure to make the most of those promising periods proved decisive. He has challenged players throughout the side to take greater responsibility in the moments which can determine the outcome of a game.

“We started the first 22 or 23 minutes really well,” he explained. “We were positive, getting shots away, putting crosses into the box and winning plenty of corners, but we didn’t capitalise.

“There was then a momentum swing, and Halifax probably had the upper hand for the remainder of the first half.

“We gave away a really disappointing goal from our point of view, but we still had chances after that to get a result.

“We have to be more clinical, and that responsibility belongs to everyone. It isn’t something aimed only at the attackers.”

Clark also wants his side to make greater use of their physical strength from attacking set pieces.

Pools delivered several promising balls into the Halifax penalty area but were unable to turn them into a decisive opportunity.

“We have to do more from set plays,” Clark continued. “We’re a big, strong team now, but we aren’t getting enough from our attacking set plays.

“Most of the time, the delivery is where it needs to be, so we have to show more determination to get on the end of it. We also need more from other areas of the pitch in general play.

“I will always take responsibility, along with my staff and the players. It is a tough period, but when you face difficult moments in football, you have to puff your chest out and be ready for the next challenge.”

Despite the disappointment of the last three results, Clark’s belief in his squad remains unchanged.

He has been encouraged by the honesty within the group and their desire to address the details which have proved costly during a closely contested sequence of matches.

“The successful teams will always experience issues at some point during a season, but the good teams bounce back from them,” he added.

“We have to show that we are a good squad by responding to these three disappointing results.

“I have a really honest group of players who want to do well. They will make genuine mistakes because everybody makes them, but they want to put things right.

“They are hurting because of the results, and I am determined to put that right as quickly as possible. Our next opportunity comes on Saturday.”

Woking arrive in the North East having collected four points from their opening five league fixtures.

The Cards responded to defeats against Sutton United and Gateshead by securing a dramatic 3-2 victory over AFC Fylde, scoring twice in the closing stages to complete the turnaround.

They were subsequently beaten 1-0 at Hornchurch before Aiden O’Brien came from the bench to earn a 1-1 draw against Southend United on Monday.

Woking have also strengthened their attacking options with the addition of experienced centre-forward John Marquis ahead of the trip to Victoria Park.

Clark, however, is focused on ensuring his players impose themselves and capitalise when they are in control of the contest.

He believes scoring first when Pools are in the ascendancy could help restore the confidence and momentum shown during the opening weeks of the season.

“We have total belief in the players because of what they showed throughout pre-season, in the opening two games and in the performance with ten men against Eastleigh,” he said.

“It is about finding the opening goal when we are in the ascendancy and then using that to kick on.

“We have spoken to the players and shown them the footage of where we can improve. Saturday gives us another opportunity to get back to winning ways.”

Pools will be boosted by the return of Neo Eccleston, who is available again after serving a one-match suspension at Halifax.

Liam Gibson was withdrawn at The Shay after suffering cramp in his hamstring and calf but is expected to be available, while Cameron John experienced tightness in his groin after sustaining a blow to his calf.

Corey McKeown and Max Kouogun will continue to be assessed after missing Tuesday’s game with foot and ankle injuries respectively. Clark hopes both players can return to the grass before a final decision is made on their availability.

“Neo coming back is a big plus,” confirmed Clark.

“Liam had cramp in his hamstring and calf, so he should be fine. We just have to build Liam to a level where he can complete 90 minutes because his preparation has been a little stop-start.

“We haven’t ruled Corey or Max out either. They will be assessed by the physio and we hope they can join us on the grass. We want the strongest squad possible going into the Woking game.”