Port battlers get edged out again
drive that set up another opportunity for Haydock to again go over.
But Southport came straight back and created their own opportunities, coming close, before a five metre scrum saw the Southport pack get the nudge on their opponents, allowing Josh Crtichley to charge over the line.
With only seven points in it, both teams knew that the next score was key, and for 20 minutes neither could find it.
Southport twice thought they had broken through for a try, only to be called back by the referee, both times for a forward pass. With the pressure mounting from the home side, Widnes found the chance to clear their lines, and a good chase put pressure on the Southport defence, causing them to be penalised for not rolling away, allowing Owens the chance to kick the points and effectively seal the match.
However, Southport were not convinced, and to their credit immediately responded, determined to get something out of their afternoon’s efforts.
An attacking run from Hill again set up territorial advantage and after good work from the forwards, captain Joe Mawdsley was over in the corner.
There was still just about time left to restart the contest, however Widnes were able to see the match out and claim their second victory of the season.
Southport should take heart in the way they responded right at the end, salvaging two bonus points, and take this into their next match away to newly-promoted Tyldesley this Saturday.