Southport Visiter

Positives for Southport A solid pre-season showing against Championsh­ip side

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SOUTHPORT continued pre-season with a 0-2 defeat to Huddersfie­ld Town at the Pure Stadium.

Two first half goals were enough to give the Terriers victory in their second outing of the summer.

Despite defeat, Liam Watson will be able to take positives after another solid performanc­e against Championsh­ip opposition.

It wasn’t a desired start to the afternoon, as Adam Anson put the ball into the back of his net after two minutes to give the visitors an early lead.

Dylan Vassallo came close to levelling things, but his shot on the edge of the box was deflected wide of the target.

Shortly after, Huddersfie­ld had an opportunit­y to double their lead, with Lewis O’Brien scuffing a half-volley past the right post of Cameron Mason’s goal, as the Yorkshire side increased the pressure.

Carlos Corberan’s side continued to create half chances, but Anson was in place to redeem himself.

First, the centre-back made a great tackle to stop a potentiall­y dangerous attempt from Danny Ward, before blocking a shot from Sorba Thomas a few minutes later.

With five minutes remaining of the first half, the visitors doubled their lead, as Duane Holmes made an excellent run into the box, before smoothly placing it past Mason.

After the break, Huddersfie­ld continued to test the Port backline.

Thomas came the closest in the early stages of the half but put his effort just past the left post.

Watson’s side also looked to pull one back, but a trialist shot into the side netting was the best they could create.

Huddersfie­ld also struggled to open the Port defence as they looked for a third, with Mason easily stopping a tame effort from Josh Ruffels.

The keeper had a much tougher stop to make not long after, as he reacted quickly to palm Brahima Diarra’s volley over the crossbar, to keep the final score at 0-2.

SOUTHPORT FC: Cameron Mason, Jack Doyle, Russell Benjamin, Adam Anson, Doug Tharme, Marcus Carver, Trialist A, Chris Doyle, Dylan Vassallo, Niall

Watson, Jack Bainbridge.

SUBSTITUTE­S: Charlies Oliver, Connor Woods, Charlie Munro, Jordan Archer, Tony McMillan, Josh Hmami.

HUDDERSFIE­LD TOWN FC: Lee Nichols, Harry Toffolo, Matty Pearson, Jonathan Hogg, Lewis O’Brien, Scott High, Sorba Thomas, Duane Holmes, Ollie Turton, Naby Sarr, Danny Ward.

SUBSTITUTE­S: Ryan Scofield, Alex Vallejo, Jordan Rhodes, Josh Ruffles,

Levi Colwill, Ben Jackson, Brahima Diarra.

MEANWHILE, some fans had their say on a return to live football...

“I would like to thank everyone involved for making the event this afternoon so enjoyable.

“It was uplifting to see live football again and the stewards and staff we met were friendly and helpful – far and away better than those I’ve encountere­d at other grounds.

“Most of all one gentleman who generously paid for my cup of tea when the card machine failed (I had no cash). Such unexpected kindness put the icing on the cake. To see Southport play my home town club in this way has been a very memorable occasion, and I wish you every success for this season.”

Chris Beaumont

“I CAME up for the game from Nottingham as this is a ground I’ve always wanted to visit and was not disappoint­ed.

“The place had a feel of an old league ground but I have to say your match day stewards were very polite, the club shop staff were very nice and the added touch with the programme was very nice.

“Southport FC should be very proud.

“Maybe clubs higher the pyramid should take a look on how you treat fans. Thank you for a great day.”

Paul McSorley

“A GREAT experience at Southport today, a lovely ground which I heard was maintained by a hardy bunch of volunteers.

“Fantastic pitch at this level, glorious weather and even though we won 2-0 I thought, particular­ly in the second half, Southport showed they will be a good side in the coming season. Having had some unpleasant away days in the past I can honestly say this was one of the best I have experience­d.

Steve Magee

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