Robins rocked as Port back on track
BY AMOS WYNN
ASTUNNING Kieran Glynn volley helped Southport return to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Altrincham at the Pure Stadium.
The superb strike from the midfielder helped Liam Watson’s side to their first victory in four games, but it was far from smooth sailing.
Despite going into the break with a healthy 2-0 lead, the Port had to hold on to the three points in the final moments of the game, after an improved second half performance from the visitors.
In the end, the two goals were enough to claim the three points, with Morgan putting in a commanding performance in the midfield.
Southport enjoyed a bright first half, controlling the game.
Jack Sampson had the first attempt on target, but his headed attempt comfortably went into the
keeper’s hands.
The striker had a better attempt a few moments later, as he bullied the Altrincham defence off the ball to get a shot away, which was put behind for a corner.
After a great run from Glynn, Morgan had the next chance to open the scoring, but shot straight at Thompson.
Watson’s side continued to knock at the door, with Russell Benjamin putting a long range effort just wide of the post before Glynn opened space for a shot after a menacing run past the defence.
The breakthrough finally came in the 32nd minute, as Raul Correia headed home from close distance, after Sampson had flicked a Reagan Ogle throw into the box.
Altrincham were restricted throughout the opening 45 minutes, with a speculative over head kick effort from Simon Richman being a rare attempt.
With a minute left of the first half, Southport doubled their lead through a superb Kieran Glynn volley on the edge of the box.
The midfielder struck the Sampson cross excellently past the keeper from the edge of the box to send the Port into the break in a comfortable position.
In the second half, the Robins produced the first shot, as Jake Moult shot straight into the hands of Dan Hanford.
The Port also continued to threaten, as Morgan shot just wide after a great bit of build-up play; before he opened up an opportunity up for Correia, who’s shot was deflected into the keeper’s hands.
Altrincham did begin to create more chances of their own and would’ve had a goal but for a goal line headed clearance from Jack Doyle from a corner.
Southport came close to bagging a third, as Morgan forced Thompson into a save low down to his right.
After an improved second half performance, the Robins got their first goal of the evening as Jordan Hulme headed past the keeper to get his side back into the game to make it 2-1 in the 66th minute.
With nine minutes remaining, the visitors’ comeback took a hit after Richman was sent off for a second yellow card after a poor challenge on Morgan.
They did continue to heap pressure onto the Southport defence, with Hemmings coming close with a header just wide.
Fortunately, Watson’s side were able hold on to the 2-1 victory to claim the three points.
Southport FC: Dan Hanford, Reagan Ogle, Jack Doyle, Dean Winnard, Ryan Astles, David Morgan, Kieran Glynn, Russell Benjamin, Raul Correia (90+2), Jack Sampson, Brad Bauress
Substitutes: Zehn Mohammed (60’), Andy Parry (90+2) Unused Subs: Connor Woods, Devarn Green , CharlieAlbinson.
Goals: Correia (32’), Glynn (44’)
Yellow card: Benjamin (59’), Mohammed (63’) Altrincham: Tony Thompson, Andy White, Connor Hampson (90+2), James Jones, Tobias Mullarkey, Jake Moult, John Johnston (56’), Sean Williams (45’), Jordan Hulme, Simon Richman, Ashley Hemmings.
Goal: Hulme (66’)
Substitutes: Josh Hancock (45’), Yusifu Ceesay (56’), Tom Peers (90+2)
Unused subs: Max Harrop, Conor Branson
Yellow cards: Richman (x2), Jones (90+3)
Red card: Richman
Attendance: 904