LEE Clark is backing strikers Michael Smith and Jermaine Beckford to form a clinical partnership after the duo impressed during Tuesday night’s 3-2 defeat at Fleetwood.

Smith, signed from fellow League One side Portsmouth on deadline day, was handed his first start at Highbury in what was an attacking line-up.

However, the hosts struck first as Jordy Hiwula responded to an early penalty miss by bagging a brace.

Towering front-man Smith played a vital part in halving the deficit. His fierce 25-yard shot forced home keeper Alex Cairns into a fine save, and from the resulting corner Chris Maguire rose highest to head back across goal – setting up Beckford to finish acrobatically.

The pair continued to link up well throughout the game, drawing praise from Clark who was pleased with the impact of his latest acquisition.

“He (Smith) has been outstanding since he came through the door,” Clark said. “I have had to build things up with him because he hasn’t even had a pre-season game, so this was a great opportunity.

“I’m hoping he can recover in time for Saturday because he gives us a terrific outlet. His hold-up play is good, he’s quality on the ball – I really like him.

“Jermaine has four goals in seven games, so it’s a better ratio than one in two.

“Hopefully, he and Michael Smith will get a good partnership going.

“You have seen the team I named, I have gone for the jugular, I have gone from my playing days of all out attack.”

However, Clark’s overall feeling was of disappointment after Josh Laurent’s equaliser was cancelled out when Fleetwood substitute Ashley Hunter netted the winner midway through the second half.

Beckford had the chance to earn his side a well-deserved point at the death, but he blasted a 94th-minute penalty over the bar, leaving Clark to curse his luck.

“Over the course of the game we didn’t deserve to lose it but we have,” Clark said. “When you keep conceding three goals you give yourselves a tough challenge. You don’t really get a lot of luck when you’re where we are and on the run we’re on, you have got to create your own luck.

“I think we were the better team for six or seven minutes and then we made a ridiculous decision to give the penalty away and that put us on the back foot. Ten minutes later we were 2-0 down, that’s where we’ve got to be better. Everyone has got to take responsibility.

“The lads showed great character and then created numerous chances.

“Second half there was only one team going to win it before the third goal and we got punished.

“Obviously, the penalty would have been the last kick of the game so it’s not a great night again for us.”

Clark was disappointed with the performance of some of his players and demanded more from his attacking options.

He also outlined the need to turn results around quickly as no win in the last six games has seen the Shakers drop into the relegation zone.

Clark added: “I have got to say, we do need more from certain players who we have brought through the door to give us more attacking impetus. We have got to start getting points on the board. We cannot keep saying there’s positives with each game that passes.

“We cannot keep conceding the number of goals we are conceding. We have got to eradicate the problems we’re giving ourselves at the moment.”

Match ratings

Bury (4-1-2-1-2): Murphy 7; Williams 4 (Leigh 61, 6), Aldred 5, Edwards 5, Skarz 4; Ince 5; Bunn 5 (Laurent 32, 7), Dobre 6 (Cooney 63, 6); Maguire 6; Smith 7, Beckford 6. Unused subs: Fasan, Whitmore, Styles, Lowe.

Fleetwood (3-5-2): Cairns; Eastham, Bolger, Cargill; Coyle, Dempsey, O’Neill (Hunter 64), Sowerby (Glendon 54), Bell; Hiwula (Burns 79), Cole. Unused subs: Neal, Pond, Ekpolo, Schwabl.

Referee: Darren England (Barnsley).

Attendance: 2,535 (293 visiting).