’Port bounce back with Bulls victory
SOUTHPORT boss Liam Watson praised his players for the way they bounced back from defeat to land an impressive victory at fellow National League North play-off hopefuls Hereford.
The Sandgrounders had lost 3-2 against Blyth Spartans last Tuesday before travelling to Edgar Street, where the hosts were eyeing a victory which would have brought them level on points with Watson’s men.
However, Charlie Oliver’s 51st-minute penalty proved decisive, enabling Southport to open up a six point gap between themselves and the Bulls.
Ahead of this weekend’s home game against secondplaced Brackley Town, Watson said: “It was a great response to Tuesday – that was disappointing (losing to Blyth) but we had six main players out of the team and we got three back for Saturday and we’ll definitely have the other three back for next Saturday so it actually puts us in a better position.
“I think you saw more of what we’ve been about all season at Hereford and that was just working really hard, being hard to break down and I thought on the balance of play (we deserved the win).
“I’m delighted with the attitude and the application of the players. There wasn’t an awful lot in the game, but you wouldn’t expect there to be given where Hereford are, they are fighting for the play-offs so we are quite even.
“It was just important that we didn’t get beaten and try to keep a gap away from them.
“I thought we played the second half better and I always felt we’d be better against the wind and that proved to be the case, getting the balls in behind and get their defenders turning.”
When it came to Oliver’s spot kick, Watson had no doubts.
“I never worried about Charlie Oliver on the penalty because he’s scored penalties in shoot-outs before,” he said. “That was his first in a normal game and all in all I thought he played really well.”
The Southport boss also reserved special praise for defender Chris Doyle, who was immense at the back in helping the side keep the Bulls at bay having returned from injury.
“Chris Doyle is what he is – when he’s in the team we’re a better team and to lose him for twelve weeks was really tough,” said Watson.
“He’s done one training session and come straight back into the team, so all credit to him.
“Josh Hmami made a difference to the team, he’s the link between the forwards and the midfield area and he’s also prepared to do his shift. Jordan Archer, Doug Tharme and Niall Watson will all be back on Saturday, then we have got genuine competition for places.”
Watson is aware this weekend’s clash against Kevin Wilkin’s Brackley will be a tall order.
“Kevin has been there, seen it and done it, all the players there have too and we know it will be a tougth test but we just have to make sure it’s a tough test for them.”