GREEN FOR GO AS DEV SETTLES TIE

DEVARN GREEN struck with eight minutes left to secure a place in the first round for ten-man Southport.

Green sent the Sandgrounders through with a swivel and shot from close range after a long throw-in from Reagan Ogle was flicked on at the far post by David Morgan.

It completed a rollercoaster of a day for Southport, who gave up their early lead after David Lynch was shown a second yellow card.

Yet the Sandgrounders, despite a tough start to their league campaign, would not be deterred and were rewarded for their persistence.

The home team took the lead after three minutes, Brad Bauress sliding home the loose ball after a shot from Green was deflected.

Lynch was sent off seven minutes after halftime for a foul on Sam Sheridan, and Ashton’s equaliser quickly followed, Sheridan finding the bottom corner with a fine strike from 25 yards.

The visitors seemed in a position of strength but Southport produced a grandstand finish.

Sheridan slid a shot wide for Ashton but the Sandgrounders were not to be denied, with Green emerging as the matchwinner.