Lewer hails effort of players but rues the loss of key performers
SOUTHPORT put in a feisty performance but they were unable to avoid defeat against National League North title favourites Salford City on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon.
Alan Lewer’s side have made a bright start to the campaign after undergoing wholesale changes throughout the summer months.
Salford were able to get a 2-1 victory but Lewer was encouraged by his side’s display and he praised his team for stepping up despite a number of injuries making it difficult for Southport.
“I thought we dominated in the firsthalf. Their fitness came through in the end though,” said Lewer.
“They bombarded us towards the end for the last 20 minutes as they were able to bring on fresh legs and we’re struggling for bodies at the moment.
“Gary Roberts didn’t even make it before the game and Steven Schumacher now has a hamstring problem. He stayed on for the last 10 minutes. With Gary, we don’t know whether he has actually broken his toe but he has a problem and we will have to see about that.
“There is a list. Ian Turner looks like he might have done his groin or his hip flexor. They are coming thick and fast, that’s for sure.”
Southport seemed to step off towards the end of the second half and that allowed Salford to push on and grab the winner.
Lewer doesn’t believe his players started to lose confidence or concentration but just believes a busy fixtures schedule took its toll on the fatigue of his players.
“I wouldn’t say the players’ heads went down as I think it was down to tiredness. We didn’t cope with having two games in three days,” he said.
“There really wasn’t enough time to recover and that comes from having a small-ish squad as we have all these injuries. We’re hoping to bring players in. We can only prepare the same way for every game and we have to look after these injured players.
“We can’t complain too much as the players have given us everything they can. We’d have taken this start to the season if we’d been offered it before.
“If Salford are a team who are meant to be challenging this season then we can take a lot of positives as we had plenty of chances to win the game.
“I think the boys gave it everything and the fans clapped them off the pitch. I’m not too disheartened at all.”
Southport’s next game is on Saturday at home to Darlington (ko 3pm). They then travel to Stockport County on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm) in another busy week for the Sandgrounders.