Clark throws down gauntlet to Terriers after Carlisle mauling

The Terriers' hopes of reaching Wembley were dealt a hammer blow with a 4-0 defeat at Brunton Park in Tuesday night's Northern Area final first leg.

Clark was hugely critical of his players after the game but

believes that the manner of the defeat could still work in the

favour of a team who sit second in the League One table.

He said: "There was not a plus point to take out of it (Tuesday's game). We were totally outdone in every bit of the football pitch.

"We were poor without the ball and had no energy. They pressed harder than us, they ran further then us, passed it better than us and their set-pieces were better than ours.

"What we have to do is get back on the training pitch and put it right. In terms of the season, I believe it can help us – without a doubt. It has got to."

Huddersfield return to action on Saturday with a home game against Colchester United, when they will be without both Alex Smithies and Tamas Kadar.

England Under-21 goalkeeper Smithies underwent surgery on his cartilage yesterday and is expected to be out for two months, while loanee Kadar has returned to parent club Newcastle United after suffering a torn hamstring.

Asked whether he would look to bolster the Town squad, Clark replied: "The answer is not to just keep delving into the market. These players are good enough. They under-performed massively (against Carlisle) and I need to find out the reasons why."

As for Town's hopes of overcoming a four-goal deficit against Carlisle in the February 8 return, the Terriers chief said: "The tie is not over but it is one hell of a mountain to climb. I have been in football a long time and know they are in an unbelievable position. We have it all to do. But with one game still to play there is no way I am going to give it up."