Frustration for Davies again - but Jason’s goals give optimism

KEVIN DAVIES remains positive about the progress being made by his Southport team despite seeing them surrender a two-goal lead in the final stages against Tamworth.

The Sandgrounders were seemingly set for the first win in 14 matches until a collapse in the final nine minutes left them with a familiar sense of disappointment. On his second start since signing from FC United of Manchester, Jason Gilchrist hit a hat-trick and Davies is confident about Port’s prospects, despite the return of their regular shortcomings.

“At 3-1 up with a couple of minutes to go we felt comfortable and we were pleased with the shape and personnel,” said Davies.

“We had limited Tamworth to few chances but it’s about seeing the match out which we have spoken to the players about before.

“Scoring a goal has given Tamworth a big lift but for us it’s about getting the experience and knowhow to see the game out. We can’t need to keep scoring three or four goals to win a game.

“We’re trying to remain positive as a group and we’re getting close. We’re creating chances and scoring goals, we’re trying to improve week after week and it’s my job to assess the areas where we need to improve.

“The players have worked extremely hard and have done what we asked them to do. We’re disappointed but the performance on the whole was good. It’s going to take time but we’re making the right strides. The players who have come in have given us a positive vibe and we think that we’re going in the right direction.”

The recent additions to Southport’s squad have certainly brought an improvement, none more so than Gilchrist, whose hat-trick was undoubtedly the highlight for the Sandgrounders.

“Jason comes alive in those areas and for us it’s about getting the service to him,” Davies added.

“He took his goals really well and we’re delighted to have him in the team. He’s shown what he’s capable of and we’ve worked hard to bring him in.”

A footnote to Gilchrist’s feat on Saturday was that he became the first player in Southport’s history to score a hat-trick on his league debut. Gilchrist also netted in his first game for the Sandgrounders in the Buildbase FA Trophy at Stockport County.

Others to come close were Lee Mulvaney, who had made a substitute league appearance before netting three times at Halifax Town in his first full league start. Mulvaney had also made cup appearances and scored a cup goal earlier in the 2002-03 season.

In Southport’s Football League days, Bert Valentine scored three in his second game in 1928-29 and Ben Twell also got a hat-trick in his second game in 1929-30.

Joe ‘Hat-Trick’ Patrick scored on his debut, got a double in his second game and a treble on his third appearance.

On Saturday, Southport play an important match at second-bottom Boston United. The Trust In Yellow coach will be running.

The fare is £22 for members, £17 for U16 members and £27 for nonmembers, departing at 9.15am.

To book, text Bill Sloan on 07952-056385.