Moors so close to glory but Boyes spoils party

IT was brave, it was dramatic, but ultimately, it was cruel.

Spennymoor Town fought back from a goal down to take three points against Southport.

That looked to have secured a National League North play-off spot but there was late drama as an injury-time goal saw Bradford Park Avenue beat Kidderminster Harriers and steal seventh place in the table.

The Moors really needed a fast start to the game and to take the initiative to their opponents but it was Southport who started on the front foot.

Their hard work was rewarded when veteran striker Ross Hannah put them ahead on nine minutes.

The on-loan Chester striker was given too much time to get a shot away and his 20-yard effort flew past Moors keeper Dan Lowson.

The Moors were struggling to gather any momentum but could have equalised on 20 minutes.

Kallum Griffiths strode forward from right-back and unleashed a powerful shot that was partially blocked by a Southport defender.

The loose ball ran towards David Foley but the former South Shields winger couldn’t get any meaningful contact on the ball and the visitors scrambled the ball to safety.

That was temporary respite for the Moors back four and Southport created two fine chances to grab a second goal through Olly Marx and Graham Kelly.

The latter was played through on goal and tried to roll the ball past Lowson but the Moors number one