Reaction from Spalding United caretaker manager James Clifton after their defeat against AFC Telford

Caretaker boss James Clifton was pleased with the response of his Spalding United side after demanding a reaction from the players.

The Tulips went down to a narrow one-goal home loss against AFC Telford in their Southern League Premier Division clash in the first match since the departure of manager Elliot Sandy.

His assistant, Clifton, was placed in interim charge ahead of the match against the league title favourites where Spalding produced a much-improved performance following defeats at both Kettering Town and Bromsgrove Sporting.

Clifton said: "I thought the lads did themselves proud and that was all I asked of them. I told them it was about personal pride.

"I put the onus back on them to perform for themselves and their team-mates and it was a much better performance.

"It was a difficult one because I've been in situations before where you lose a manager and, when that happens, it's usually because performances haven't been good enough.

"It's on them as a group and some might think that I questioned them but it got a reaction and, although that's something we shouldn't have been having to do, it comes with losing the gaffer.

"I did question if they could pull together and motivate themselves and I think they have."

Clifton admitted it had been an 'awkward situation' following the departure of Sandy just 24 hours before the game.

The duo are close friends and have been team-mates together at a number of previous clubs before joining forces as a management team.

Clifton added: "It was an awkward situation for me and I was asked whether I would oversee it until a new manager comes in.

"I'm happy to do this weekend and then I'll be going back to a playing role.

"I won't be staying involved in the management side of things or anything like. I'll be going back to strictly concentrating on playing."

Clifton will remain in charge for Monday's match at St Ives with the Tulips hoping to have a new manager in place for next Saturday's FA Cup clash at home to Matlock.

Sam Warburton will return from suspension for Monday's match but Clifton will remain sidelined with a hamstring injury while Sam Cartwright will be assessed after picking up a hand injury in training.

The Tulips handed a debut to new signing Joe Nyahwema on Saturday who enjoyed a lively bow after becoming Sandy's final acquisition before his departure.

Clifton commented: "Joe brought something different to us. He's got a lot of raw pace and is young.

"He gives you that outlet of being able to give him the ball and he will carry us up the pitch which we might not have necessarily had."

Nyahwema has joined the Tulips from Long Eaton and previously played for Burton Albion during his youth career.