Southport 1 Barrow 1

The weather today was terrible. Windy and rainy, the view from the Thatch and Thistle was of horizontal rain. But by the time I was on the terraces the rain had stopped. Southport had to play into the wind in the first half and most of the action was near the Port goal. When the ball was played on the ground Southport could made rare raids into the Barrow half but didnt really threaten the Barrow goal other than a Chris Lever header.
At the half time break the rain started and everyone headed for cover. People seemed to expect Southport to have it easy in the second half wih the wind at their backs. But they were wrong. Southport didnt seem to have a plan or much passion or will to win. In fact the benches showed more passion as the game was stopped to sort out the fracas there. Southport did take the lead when Robinson scored but the celebrations didnt last long, even while the Southport fans were mocking the Barrow supporters Barrow looked like equalizing. With four minutes of extra time on the board Southport looked like they might hold out and take the three points but in scenes very familiar to Southport fans a late goal was conceeded and Kevin Lee sent off.

The second half was very dissappointing and Southport threw the points away, Barrow fans will be pleased with the draw but they could have expected a win and all three points.

MOTM: Paul Barratt

Jack Carr Stand Motivational Speaker (with Southport winning): "You're fucking shit Southport"

Southport 1 Burscough 0

Boxing Day against Burscough, over 1700 in the crowd and from the looks of it the whole of Burscough town were there. Burscough FC could look like the ghost of Southport past but on the field today there were only five ex-Southport players in Green. The first half was lively, Southport took a while to settle down and get into the swing of things, but it was an equal match that looked like it could produce some goals. Despite expectations it was goal-less at halftime.

Southport obviouslyhad a good talking to and came out with intent. Southport took the lead when Paul Barrett scored a very nice goal but after that Southport were on the back foot as Burscough brought on two subs and went on the attack. Some of their players took the attack a little literally and after a number of fouls by Burscough players they were down to ten men with their number six walking towards the tunnel before the card was out the refs pocket.

As the game headed to its conclusion Southport battered the Burscough defence, with the fans holding their heads in their hands, but there was no second goal and Southport had to settle for the 3 points instead.



Neil Robinson didnt really look like scoring but still played some good football which is obviously what Davenport saw in him. Barratt and Danny Holmes had good games, Duffy needs to work on his end product as it lets down all his hard work.

Southport need to improve to keep in the running for the Conf North title and promotion. I think the club needs to bring in some quality players to add to the side and help push things forward. Davenport has done well with his signings but is working with a limited budget. As always a striker who can and will shoot at goal is number one onthe wish list.

MOTM: Danny Holmes

PopularSide Pundit: "You prune!"

Southport 0 Harrogate Town 0

It was cold wet and windy today at Haig Ave and at the end of 90 minutes it was still 0-0. There was little to talk about today, Southport's best (and only) attempt at goal was a second half low diving header from Neil Robinson. With the wind against Southport in the second half the yellows had to work hard to get up field. I think everyone was glad to hear the final whistle and get away from the weather. The Harrogate fans made plenty of noise and sounded like they were enjoying themselves despite the conditions.

Southport 3 Vauxhall Motors 2

A great come back after a dismal first half. Highlight was Neil Robinson scoring and celebrating like he had never been away. Southport were surprised by Vauxhalls strikers who shot at goal, something rarely seen done by Southports strikers.

Southport 2 Blyth Spartans 1

Before the match the team were playing tig and enjoying themselves, but playtime was soon over and it was back to work, this week against the Spartans.
It took just six minutes for the Popular Side Pundit to sum up the whole game as being beyond Southport who would be lucky to get to ten minutes without conceeding. Southport backed off far too mch and allowed Blyth to attack. Richard Whiteside made some great saves to keep the scores level at 0-0.

Southport threatened most from corners and free kicks near to the area. It was the only time Port had players in the box. It was Chris Lever who took advantage of the pressure and scored with a header after half an hours play.

Blyth didn't give up hope though and looked likely to score much to the frustration of Whiteside and Lee.

In the second half Southport managed to score from open play when Neil Robinson intercepted the ball which came to Mark Houghton who confidently scored. This was most definately not an own goal. Houghtons goal seemed to wake the rest of the squad up, even Robinson decided to wake up and take part in the match.

Whiteside still had plenty of work to do though ad was outraged when Southport stood by and let Blyth score to make for a very tense 20 minutes. Houghton was injured and had to be treated (by Blyths keeper of all people). Blakeman came on with Josh Hine who looked a promising player. Both sides had chances to score but with much relief the match ended with Southport winning 2-1.

MOTM: Richard Whiteside
Popular Side Pundit: As Southport score to make it 2-0 "We dont deserve it"

Southport 2 Tamworth 2

There were extra stewards today busily scouring the terraces for illicit photographers. Unfortunately the players must have heard there was a chance of having their picture snapped and stood still, unblinking as Tamworth scred not one but two goals in the first 7 minutes.
Southport looked poor throughout the first half with the ball rarely reaching the strikers. The keeping, passing, shooting and defending were all bad.
Michael Powell let himself down when he punched a Tamworth player in the back in Southports penalty area and then continued to have words with their forwards, avoiding being headbutted all out of sight of the officials.
The Southport players were boo-ed off the pitch by their supporters.
The second half was a different game. Southport came out looking for goals and were rewarded for their efforts by a brilliant free kick taken by Sean Newton making it 2-1 with plenty of time to get another. As it was Southport left it until the end to grab another goal with super sub Adam Dugdale heading home to draw even. Southport looked like they could have got another goal and taken all the points but ran out of time.
Southport left the field to applause but with Burscough winning the moaners and sackers will still be online calling for the heads of the players and manager.

MOTM: Neil Prince
Popular Side Pundit Comment "You're playing like wallies!"

Neil Robinson

Southport 1 Northwich Victoria 3

The grey skies threatened rain but there was hope that the romance of the FA Cup and the return of Neil Robinson might see Southport qualify for the FA Cup.
Southport started well and looked to be the better team with two shots on goal in the first two minutes. Norhwich took the lead however from a free kick which saw Kevin Lee head an own goal. Things could have been different if Tony Gray had done better with his penalty but he didnt trouble the keeper and it remained 1-0. The rest of the first half was fracious with Duffy being at the centre of a few disputes. The referee seemed clueless and had no control of the game. Had it not been for half time there would have been some red cards.

There didn't seem to be as much fight in Southport in the second half and a second Northwich goal caused Southport heads to drop. A third goal by former Southport striker Paul Tait put the game out of reach. With only minutes left three time Southport player and one time manager Dino Maamria pulled on a green shirt and came on for his team. Luckily he didnt score and was on the pitch to see a consolation goal by Southport sub Adam Dugdale. There was no time for a fight back and the match ended 3-1 to the sound of boos and applause.

The manager was blamed by some vocal Southport fans, his tactics and substitutions blamed for a dissapointing performance. With no money from the FA Cup on the horizon will Southport be able to bring in any more quality players?

Southport 5 Hucknall Town 0

With the Latin American representation unusally high in the crowd it was up to Southport to show some Brazilian flair. The first two goals looked like absolute gifts, though the video shows the first one wasnt as bad as i first thought. The Hucknall keeper was at fault for the second and the third was a gidt wrapped present with a card and a nice bow with love from Hucknalls number three who gave us a free kick 9 or 10 yards outside the area and then kindlys cored the goal on the rebound.
It looked like Hucknall were beating themselves but Southport showed they could score goals of their own and Blackman did just that scoring two great goals to make it 5 - nil.
Hucknal were terrible conceeding goals that Southport have many times. When your luck is bad in this league its really bad.

FA Cup Skelmersdale United 0 Southport 1

After a pub lunch in one of Cains newer pubs in Southport we set off to see Southport start a new FA Cup campaign. On ariving in Skem we couldnt resista a tour of the famous roundabouts, before finally parking at Asda. There were plenty of cars around which promised a good turn out from the Southport faithful.
There was a queue to get into the ground, so we went straight in rather than popping into the social club. The ground is certainly adequate for the their level of football in the Unibond. There was some concern about the amount of cover, if it had rained as the clouds threatened there would have been a scramble for the covered seats. But as it turned out the rain held off and the sun made a second half appearance. Most of the 700-odd fans were Southport supporters.
The first half was poor, the only highlight being Tony Grays goal. Southport were bad and there was little difference between the two sides and not much sign of the difference in leagues. In fact sometimes Skem looked the better side.
Half time came, I hoped and expected for goals in the second half. Southport should beable to beat teams like Skem 3 or 4 nil. The second half was an improvement on the first but still pretty bad. The ball spent most of the time in the air, but when it did stay on the pitch there were some flashes of good football. But only flashes.
The only highlight of the second half was the fracas which saw the players and managers in a scuffle. Dav was sent to the stand, about 5ft from his dug out.

It was a bad match which ended 1-0. Thankfully no need for a replay.

Southport 2 Hyde United 1

Tonights game on a cold Tuesday night at the start of Autumn was exactly the type of game that keep me coming back. It was the perfect example of English non-league football. On a night when many fans chose to stay at home and watch Liverpool on the tele I didnt envy them once.
The first half saw Hyde attacking down the wings with little resistance, luckily Hyde had no centre forwards to take advantage. Hydes defence were solid, including the Southport legend Steve Pickford. Hyde took the lead and held it up to half time.

The second half was a bit moreequal with Southport attacking more. There seemed to be an endless amount of corners. At times things got a bit fraught on the pitch as passions ran high. It looked like Hyde were going to hang on to the 3 points and weather the Southport storm. But Southport substitute Karl Noon equalised with five minutes to go. Had the game ended there I would have been relieved but with 5 minutes of extra time Kevin Lee did it again and scored from a corner to make it 2-1 and steal all the points from Hyde. The whistle blew and the smiles on the faces of the hundreds of Southport fans who had turned up showed why we all do it.

Man of the Match: Kevin Lee.

Southport 3 Solihull Moors 2

A gloriously sunny day at Haig Ave today. I was confident we would get a win today against the "new" team Solihull Moors. The game started well with Kevin Lee heading home a goal from a corner. The defenders could teach our strikers a thing or two at the moment as the second goal came from Mike Powell. There was then a inexplicable Solihull goal which meant the sides went in at half time with the score 2-1.
Solihull looked better in the second half but it was Southports player of the season (so far) Kevin Lee who scored again giving himself a headache and the team a two goal lead.
There were some hairy moments for Southport as some of the old bad habits came back. Southport lost control of the game and conceded another goal and there then followed a very panicy few minutes which could have seen Southport either get another goal or lose the points. But Southport held out and the game finished 3-2.

It was a very entertaining match and a good performance all round. At times Southport look like they need some more experience to keep things calm when things are going against them. Solihull weren't great but carried on playing to the last whistle.

MOTM: Kevin Lee

Popular Side Pundit Comment: "Stand on your feet you prune!"

Southport 4 Hinkley 0

It was a windy day at Haig Ave today and there was no sign of the new striker that was rumoured to be playing this weekend. Luckily he wasn't missed. Southport took the lead when Chris Lever scored from a Mark Duffy corner. It all went a bit quiet on the pitch after that but sadly the same could not be said for the moaning gits on the terraces. Despite the fact Southport were winning at Haig Ave they said we looked more likely to lose the match. Even when Mark Houghton scored a wonder goal the moaners went happy. The third did quiet them down for a few seconds and the fourth got them changing the subject to something other than football.
It was great to see Mark Houghton score for Southport especialy such a well taken goal. The club have said he has great promise and he certainly showed it today. The third goal was cored by Mike Powell and the fourth was an own goal.
It will be a long ride home for Hinkley.

Southport 1 AFC Telford 1

A busy game but not one for the football perfectionists on the Popular side. Southport had the majority of the possession and most of the game was played in Telfords half but Southport only managed a single goal from Neil Prince on 29 minutes. Southport rarely looked in control and just as someone said "its in the bag" Telford scored, seconds later the final whistle went.
Telford brought a good noisey following who brought some much needed atmosphere to Haig Ave and acted like they had won the FA Cup when they equalised.
Southport were okay but it was their mistakes that cost them the points not the referee as some will say. The moaners picked out keeper Whiteside and goalscorer Prince for abuse.
We still need a striker, there was no sign of the latest one to be brought in. Rodney Jack will get a heros welcome should he ever return. Blakemen was up to his best but only for a few moments in the 90mins. I was glad to see Beeley coming on and hope he can get a start in future games.
Southport do not look as good as they did pre-season and need to adjust to the league. I hope the manager can sort his players out and get some confidence and structure back.

Southport 3 Gainsborough Trinity 0

A great way to start the season. There were a couple of new faces in the team and the side didnt look as comfortable as they had in some of the later pre-season games. Goals came from Tony Gray, Neil Prince and Joel Byram. In truth both sides should have scored more goals. I have no doubt that the Southport side can and will improve as they play more games.
There were still people moaning in the crowd, I have no idea why they come to Southport games. One positive was the good looking blond who is the first good looking lady to visit the Popular side in many seasons.And to put the cherry on the cake the club has banned Phil Rodwell from the ground, BRILLIANT!!!!

Southport 0 Morecambe 1

Our last friendly of the season and it wasnt the most thrilling but it was pretty good. We were missing Chris Holland and Rodney Jack, the lack of their experience showed at times. It was a fairly equal match between the Conf North side and the League two side. Morecambe didnt bring many away fans with them, but they didnt miss much by staying at home. I think the Southport fans would be more encouraged by the performance than the Morecambe fans.
Kevin Lee hd another good game, Blakeman showed signs of his talent. Duffy and Prince are very good.
Southport should have taken the lead but shot over the bar and then less than a minute later conceeded a soft goal. But that was late on.
We had yet another trialist, Xavi Barro, who looked like Drogba and played like Tait. Marc Baker played well when he came on.
I am still concerned we havent solved the striker problem of last season. Other than that things look fine and it will be interesting to see how the squad do against Conf North opposition rather than League sides.

Of all the trialists Beeley and Jack stand out. Of those we kept Kevin Lee has improved the most over the summer. Prince has shown to be a great signing despite being slagged of by "fans" before the first ball had been kicked. We have been blessed with some great keepers over the last couple of seasons and this season is no different even if their shot stoppingis better than their kicking!

Southport 2 Macclesfield 0

These last two matches have been very good and show the team off much better than the other games.
We scored two goals in the first ten minutes and held onto that lead to the end despite a lot of subs.
Kevin Lee is looking very good this pre-season. I hope we can sign Rodney Jack as he shows great experience and class. Blakeman had a good game but I think he is beter in centre midfield than on the wing, but it was good to see him as an attacking midfield player rather than at left back.

Southport 1 Tranmere Rovers 0

My first home game of the season. It was a nice night and despite the large number of cars there weren't many in the ground. This game had the fewest number of trialists of any I have seen so far, 7 of the starting 11 having played for us before. Blakeman was back where he should be in midfield with Powell and Beeley at right/left back.
The first half was pretty evenly matched and ended 0-0 with neither side having many chances on goal. Tranmere started the second half better than their first but it was Southport that took the lead with a great goal from Gray who was setup by new trialist Rodney Jack. Gray has now scored in every game I have seen him start, that must give him a starting place for the season. Chris Holland stands out as the best player Southport have and Sean Beeley made a good claim for a contract with some great tackles and good passing from right back. A worthy replacement for Chris Lane.

Raith Rovers (at Vauxhall)

The match was moved at short notice to Vauxhall Motors all weather training pitch. Southport had 3 or 4 recognizable players and some trialists and a couple of the opposition to make up numbers.
There were a lot of Scottish fans there, mostly exiled Raith supporters.
Southport won 3-1 with the help of an onloan Raith player.

Hopefully the next game will be a bit more organised.

Southport 3 Burton Albion 1

There was a good crowd with a lot of fans wearing old shirts who had shown up for the free match offer. Southport had scored 8 goals in the last two matches but didnt look like scoring in the first half and some bad defending left them one nil down at half time. The second half saw a penalty taken by Baker equalise the score and give Southport a chance of taking some points. Boyd showed his skill with free kicks but it was Mark Duffy who got the goal from a free kick to put Southport ahead with ten minutes to go. It was a very tense 10 minutes that saw Southport play very deep in their own half, but the tension was eased with Sean Patterson scoring a very well taken goal to give Southport the 3 points and a glimmer of hope.

Southport 5 Stafford 1

Granted Stafford are part time and were dreadful but, even knowing that, winning a match 5-1 is well worth the £11. It was great to see Boyd and Dino get goals given the abuse they have recieved from Southport "fans". Dino was even boo-ed as the team ran out at the start of the match, where were the boo boys when he scored his second goal of the game? Boyds goal from a very well taken free kick was the best of the day. All to late for the season but it shows that this squad could beat the sides in the Conf North.

Southport 1 Halifax 1

Same old story, Southport cant score except from a rebounded penalty save, and cant hold on to a one goal lead, conceeding 2 minutes into extra time. 10 man Southport were saved by the whistle as Halifax piled on the pressure. Some pretty passing from Southport at times but the "strikers" prefer to to back and pass backwards when one on one with the keeper.
Conference North next season but who will be in the team and who will be running it?

Southport 0 Weymouth 1

The first half was boring with rain being blown across the pitch. The second half started better but neither team could score. Southport had Tait booked and Blakeman warned for diving. Southport were obviously looking for the three points but our shotshy strikers couldnt get a goal. Weymouths keeper on the other hand could. His long kick bounced over Southports keeper of the day and into the goal. The Southport crowd got up and left.

Southport 1 Dagenham & Redbridge 4

The sun was shining and given the draw last time these teams met anything could have happened today. Southport were missing Boyd and Lane but with 4 strikers named it was obvious they would be looking to score. Sadly the goals were all going the wrong way. Within minutes Southport were a goal down and despite some good saves by Harrison and hard work by Holland Southport were outclassed by an average looking Dagenham and it finished 2-0 at half time.
Southport came out in the secondhalf looking much better but 15 minutes later it was 3-0 after a penalty save was fumbled by Harrison.
Southport didnt give up though and managed to get a goal back, not from a striker but from a substitute defending midfielder Michael Powell.
The celebrations had barely finished when the Daggers scored again making the full time score 4-1.
Although there was no boo-ing today lots of people who had answered the Chairmans invite said they wouldnt be coming back.
My Man of the Match was Holland clearly the most experienced player we have. I dont see the point of Tait.

Southport 1 Aldershot 0

Southport managed to hang on to a one goal lead and get the three points today thanks to a great goal by Liam Blakeman, some fine defending by Chris Lane and some excellent saves by Paul Harrison.
The away fans will be left with a long trip back to Mexico rueing the missed chances their side had.

Southport 2 Altrincham 1

With only a couple of players who started the season with us laying today it was a new look Southport that took to the field. Sadly it was the same old problem that frustrated us. While Southport can pass the ball about and show some individual skill they lack a striker who will score goals. The first half was good but so was the Morecambe game so the fans on the terraces didnt get too carried away. There was little difference between the parttime Alty and full time Southport. Southport conceeded a penalty but Harrison showed he is a safe pair of hands and saved it. There were few shots on goal but somehow Southport managed to score and go in at half time one nil up with a goal from Baker.
In the second half Carl Baker's game improved and Southport managed to get a second goal from new boy Newby! It was then a matter of hanging on till the end of the match, which Southport did despite conceeding an odd goal. It got a bit desperate with 5 bookings in the last 20 minutes.
Alty had a good away following in good voice, always nice at Haig Ave.

It was a much needed 3 points, the season is still looking black but there is still hope.

Southport 1 F.G.R. 2

The first home game for yet another new manager at Haig Ave. Three new players brought in to replace the ones the club let go with Cook.
The game didnt start well and Southport were soon a goal behind. With the fans discussing how terrible their team were it wasn't long before Southport were another goal down. With the team written off a well placed cross was met by Patterson in midair who vollied it into the goal past former Southport loan player Ryan Robinson. Patterson had only just come on as as sub 20 minutes into the first half and scored almost straight away.
Southport hit the bar once in the first half but rarely threatened.
In the second half Southport attacked but couldn't get a goal to salvage a point, the bar was hit a couple of times and FGR cleared their line once. In truth Southport didnt look like they would win or indeed get a draw.
With yet another new striker Southport still didnt look like they could finish. The new players need time to bed in, time Southport do not have.
On the positive side Patterson played well, but it has to be noted that the two best players were Baker and Lane.

Southport 3 (Three) Greys Athletic 1

Today was Southports frist game since the chairman ditched the manager. Southport now needed a manager, new players and some points. I wasn't expecting Southport to do much today but after 1 minute 30 seconds Southport scored with a brilliant solo run from loan player Donnelly. Southport had two ex-strikers as managers and for once Southport were shooting at goal. Southport showed all the skill they did at th Morecambe game and once again went in at half time in the lead this time by 2 goals, the second coming from Grey. Southport could have had more goals.
After the 15 minutes of half time the doubts were back and Greys looked a lot more confident. But again 2 minutes after the restart Southport scored, with a great Carl Baker goal.
Southport held on despite a goal for Greys when Southports defence took time out to do a reonstruction of Athony Goremans Another Place.
Keeper Harrison had a great game and kept Southport in the points.