It’s going to take time to get to where we want to be

wasn’t really anyone leading the team,” said Davies.

“We have a lot of young players in the team as well. That’s something we maybe have to consider – the balance of the side.

“It could have been easy to roll over against a strong team but we stood up to the test and the players have good quality. I am seeing a good attitude from the majority of the team.

“David Morgan was obviously not happy about not playing. We had a chat and I have been really pleased with him since then. He has looked really sharp and hungry in training.

“We have to give everyone an opportunity to impress me and he came on and did a great job in terms of looking after the dangers and getting on the ball and making us play.

“There is lots of competition for places throughout the team and I have to make tough decisions at the moment but slowly, I am getting to know the players – their abilities and their attitudes.

“I thought Jordan Hallam struggled a little bit in that first half, as they all did. They were kind of hitting long balls.

“We changed the shape and he started to get on the ball and affect the game. I know the kind of quality he can bring.

“He made a few nice touches and he is a class player. It was his first game and he is just a young boy. The players have seen what he can bring to the squad in training and in that second-half.

“He is a natural finisher – he didn’t get the opportunity today – but I have all the faith in him and I like him a lot.”

Southport return to action this Saturday when they host North Ferriby in their next league match and Davies is hoping for a win.

“We can outplay most teams in this league,” said Davies.

“We have lots of work to do, there’s no doubt about that, but we are working hard. It’s going to be a mid-tolong process.”

As well as progression on the pitch, Southport have started to make a few changes off the field, with Richard Boryszczuk joining as the club’s new Chief Scout.

“I am delighted to be joining Southport Football Club during what are clearly exciting times,” said Boryszczuk.

“The opportunity given to me to work with Kevin Davies and John Dreyer is one I could not turn down, as I look to progress my career and help the club get back to where it belongs”

Davies added: “We have spent a lot of time with Richard recently, and what became apparent very quickly was not only how thorough he is, and how detailed his reports are, but also that his knowledge of players at our level and the division above is incredible.

“It is important that we continue to strengthen the current squad and also begin preparations for next season.

“We want to ensure we have a fully signed and engaged squad by the end of May, to ensure a full pre- season and that we hit the ground running, with a squad capable of competing at the very highest level.”