New Southport boss Mick Walsh admits that a first league win since early November will come as a welcome relief at Haig Avenue.

Port are yet to lose since Walsh took temporary charge with two draws in the Nationwide Conference and penalty shoot-out success over Dagenham and Redbridge in the FA Trophy.

Even so the new manager's first win would be very welcome.

The former Bury manager admits that he is balancing results against planning for the future with the prospect of taking on the job full-time in the summer.

He said: "It's a little bit frustrating, but it is more a case of looking at the players and the team at the moment.

"There are a couple of areas we need to improve on, but the attitude and commitment has been very good.

"I just think that once we get that first win under our belts it will be a weight of everybody's shoulders, even though we haven't lost yet."

Port are back in Trophy action on Saturday when they go to Dr Martens League side Gloucester City.

And as well as the chance of reaching the quarter-finals, Walsh is welcoming the extra fixtures of a cup run.

He said: "The more games we're involved in the better it is. I really need to see the players on a regular basis and the more games we get helps me to assess the squad.

"We've not to get desperate for results in the short-term. We've still got to try and get a few this year and then whatever happens the future looks bright, because there is the nucleus of a good side here."

Walsh is yet to add to his squad but hasn't ruled out the arrival of new faces.

"I'm still looking at the players we've got here but if someone did become available who would improve us, I would be looking to do something loan-wise or permanent," he added.