Liam’s lament as Port slide to a first defeat
BY ALAN JONES
TWO early goals consigned Southport to their first defeat of the Vanarama National League North season at Darlington.
The two goals conceded were the first against The Sandgrounders this season as they aimed to complete five clean sheets in a row.
The record went when Tyrone O’Neill gave the home team the lead after just four minutes and
Southport never looked likely to get back into the contest as Darlington took control.
Southport’s midfield, which had been so strong until this game, were out-passed as Darlington looked threatening every time they went forward at pace.
The Port came into this game on the back of successive wins but struggled to find their stride, the impressive O’Neill opening the scoring after finding space in the area and curling the ball home.
The home team were quick out of the blocks, Justin Donawa dragging a shot wide before Adam Campbell added a second on 15 minutes, converting a penalty after Reagan Ogle was adjudged to have committed a foul.
Darlington continued to press and although clear chances were in short supply, the home team remained in control.
Port manager Liam Watson made three changes at half-time, the first time he could remember having to do this in his managerial career, in a bid to alter the course of the game.
It meant Jack Doyle, Russell Benjamin and Devarn Green came off the bench to replace Zehn Mohammed, Paddy Lacey and
Kieran Glynn.
There were a few promising signs at the end of the first half as Southport saw more of the play but opportunities were always difficult to come by.
Dean Winnard headed over from a free kick and a scramble from a corner saw Ryan Astles go close.
Southport played better kicking in to the wind without causing their opponents too many problems.
The best chance fell to Raul Correia who did well to turn and shoot but was denied by goalkeeper Chris Elliott, who also saved from Jack Sampson after the striker had connected with an Ogle cross.
It was a disappointing afternoon in front of a good contingent of travelling Southport fans.
Speaking post match, manager Liam Watson said “It was a difficult afternoon when we never seemed to get going. The conditions were difficult with the strong wind, but as we had done the previous week against Guiseley, Darlington played the conditions much better than we did.
“We need to bounce back against Telford on Saturday and put this one to bed”
SOUTHPORT: Hanford, Mohammed (Doyle 46), Ogle, Winnard, Astles, Morgan, Glynn (Green 46) Lacey (Benjamin 46), Correia, Sampson, Bauress. Subs not used: Albinson, Woods.