Safety a relief but run of defeats not acceptable says Davies

MANAGER Kevin Davies said a busy schedule has taken its toll after watching Southport lose their last home game of the season against Brackley Town.

The result saw the Sandgrounders slip to 19th place in the Vanarama National League North but results elsewhere means their place in the division for next season is now guaranteed.

It has been a gruelling end to the season, with four games in the space of a week, including games against champions Salford City and the teams in second and third place.

“The week that we’ve had, in these conditions, has been tough,” Davies said.

“We tried to freshen things up with a few changes to the team but we’ve played the top three teams and it has been difficult.

“There was a lot of pressure coming into the game because of the run we’re on.

“There are mixed emotions because we’re relieved to be safe but we have lost seven games in a row and that isn’t acceptable.

“In a similar way to the game against Salford, we were the equal of a very good team but we’ve given them too much time to score their goal and that has been a recurring theme in recent weeks. “We’re doing well for large parts of the game but we’re conceding really soft goals. “They are a big, strong team and some of our players were on their last legs out there. “We want the team to defend properly but we’ve a very young group and we’re constantly trying to develop them and they’ll be better for it next season.

“Putting a new group of players together in the middle of a season was never going to be easy and they’ve put in a lot of hard work.

“We now know exactly where we are as a club.

“There are a lot of discussions going on and we’re now in a position to be able to plan for next season.”

Southport play two games in the final week of the season, away at Darlington last night (Wednesday) and Spennymoor Town on Saturday.

Trust in Yellow is taking bookings for the coach to Spennymoor.

The coach departs at 10.30am with a fare of £20 for members, £15 for under 16s and £25 for non-members. To book, text Bill Sloan on 07952056385.