SPENNYMOOR TOWN 2 SOUTHPORT 1

Action from Spennymoor’s victory over Southport in National League North - The Moors second goal, above, and celebrating their first goal of the game got a big hand on the ball and gathered it into his chest.

Marx was forced into action at the other end shortly before half-time as the Sandgrounders centre-back deflected a Foley cross narrowly beyond the far-post.

The half-time whistle brought down the curtain on an underwhelming first-half display but results elsewhere meant one goal would change everything.

Everything did change within the opening 10 minutes of the second half as Mark Anderson got the Moors back on level terms.

The impressive Rob Ramshaw broke down the right and his cross was blocked at the near post.

The loose ball ran to Anderson and he lashed the ball beyond the visitors’ keeper, Jon Worsnop.

The goal visibly lifted the Moors and the vast majority of those inside Brewery Field.

Passes were more accurate, the movement was slicker, a second was almost inevitable.

That goal arrived just after the hour mark as Ramshaw got the goal his impressive display deserved.

Glen Taylor worked hard to get a cross in from the right and Ramshaw got the deftest of touches to flick the ball into the net at the near post.

The goal, coupled with results elsewhere, put the Moors into the final play-off spot for the first time on the day.

There were chances for a third goal as Jason Ainsley’s side seized control.

Ramshaw went close to his second of the day as game made its way into injury time but by then all eyes were on events at Kidderminster.

The full-time whistle was blown at Brewery Field and that was met by muted celebrations.

Minutes later, news filtered through that Adam Boyes has hit a late goal to give Park Avenue the win they needed and ended the Moors’ play-off hopes.

There will be sadness and frustration but ultimately Jason Ainsley’s men have proved they can handle life at the top end of the National League North.

Not many would have predicted that back in August.

Scant consolation right now, but something to take into a big summer at Brewery Field.