SOUTHPORT FC

CHARLIE Albinson is keen to build further confidence at Southport after ousting Dan Hanford as Liam Watson’s long-term number one.

Albinson was handed his first opportunity for the Sandgrounders in the FA Cup victory over Scarborough Athletic in September and has held the starting jersey ever since.

The 23-year-old, who joined from Blackburn Rovers in the summer, has now made seven appearances for Southport and kept a clean sheet in last weekend’s win over Bradford Park Avenue.

With back-to-back victories recorded and Watson’s side fourth in the National League North, Albinson wants to build a platform to improve.

“These are my first games at this level and I think it’s just about getting that confidence in me,” he said.

“I’m trying to get better each week, there’s some games I’ve been happy, some games where I’ve been a bit disappointed but it’s just about getting that consistency in the games and keep performing.

“We’ve got a lot of games coming up and if I can get some good performances in them then that just gives you that momentum then and sets you up for a strong season.”

The former Manchester City youth star added: “The defence has been brilliant. Ryan, Dean, Zehn and Andy have all been brilliant in the centre and the full backs Reagan and Jack have kept wingers quiet.

“Our midfield players work really hard picking up second balls for and getting it out of our half, so yeah it’s been really good to play with them all.”

Southport needed penalties to overcome Burscough on Tuesday evening in their Liverpool Senior Cup victory.

Hanford replaced Albinson in goal for the fixture with goals from Jack Sampson and Russell Benjamin securing a 2-2 draw at Haig Avenue.

The Sandgrounders eventually won 5-3 on penalties as Devarn Green slotted the winning spot-kick against the NWCFL Premier Division strugglers.