If we can get past Eastleigh we can get past Wrexham
SOUTHPORT recorded a thrilling 4-3 victory against Eastleigh on Saturday in a jam-packed fixture which saw both teams go down to 10 men.
Liam Hynes was sent off for Southport early in the first-half and the manager admitted he thought it would affect the game.
Southport had dominated the early stages but Steve Burr was pleased with how his players reacted and they came through to pick up all three points.
“I’d have taken a 4-3 victory against them all day long before the game. I thought we started really well until the sending off,” said Burr.
“That rocked us really. We were on the front foot. I have no complaints about the red card. Overall, the effort was good.
“It was good to see how much we had improved. Eastleigh was my first game in charge of Southport and we did well that day but we were hanging on; today we were competing.”
Overall, Burr was pleased with his side’s performance and wanted to highlight the progress his team has made since his appointment in October.
Southport have clawed their way out of the relegation zone and Burr believes they are now a competitive team in the Vanarama National League.
“I’m delighted. The manner of some of the goals we scored was great,” said Burr.
“Eastleigh have a great manager and it was a real stern test for us. I think it’s been an improvement. We’ve not just been winning more matches; we’re playing football and creating chances.
“We need to tie it up at the back though as we’re conceding too many goals.”
Southport signed Aaron Jones this week and Burr hopes the defender will improve squad depth and compete for a position at centre-back throughout the season.
“It was important we brought someone in.
“We’ve watched a few players over the last few weeks and Aaron [ Jones] ticks all the boxes for us.
“We’ll see how he gets on. He’s a good footballer.
“He did well at Accrington in the cup.”
Southport’s next fixture is on Boxing Day and Burr’s side will travel to face Wrexham – a fixture the manager is excited for.
“I always look forward to the Wrexham game. I have a lot of respect for them as they are a great club. It’s always an exciting game,” said Burr.
“It’s two tough games over the Christmas period and we’ve come through one challenge so no reason why we can’t come through another.”