Trophy triumph is dedicated to Sam
SOUTHPORT came away from Leyland with the Lancashire Challenge Trophy after a 2-1 win against West Didsbury & Chorlton.
Goals from Connor Woods and Adam Anson in the first half that Southport dominated were enough to secure the victory. WD&C Grabbed a goal in added time to reward their hard work in the second period.
Southport created a host of chances in a game that was played in a brilliant atmosphere with both sets of fans creating a lot of noise.
The supporters of WD&C were out to enjoy the occasion and made it a great night out for them and their side.
Southport started brightly and it was a surprise that it took until the 13th minute to take the lead when Connor Woods fired across goal (and at the time we did think it had gone straight in) and Jordan Archer got the final touch!
Southport were playing some neat football and had several chances to increase the lead before Adam Anson slotted home in the 37th minute to go into the break in a commanding position.
WD&C didn’t lie down and came out in the second period looking to reduce the deficit but the Southport back line were outstanding and repelled all that came their way.
Southport were dangerous on the break and created chances at regular intervals but couldn’t get the third goal that would have killed the game off with Josh Hmami hitting the post, Jack Doyle, Jordan Archer, Charlie Munro, Charlie Oliver and Jack Bainbridge all going close.
WD&C did get a goal back in added time but despite a couple of nervy moments Southport were able to see the game out and a much needed win was secured.
It is Southport’s tenth win in the competition and Watson dedicated the win to club President Sam Shrouder after the game.
“It’s been brilliant, the best atmosphere for a cup final I’ve ever had. West Didsbury massively played their part, their fans were amazing and never stopped, nor did ours.
“We’d had five games to get here so we should be up for it, and so were they. They’d won their own league so credit ti them, you don’t win a league by a fluke. They’ve got some good players and it was played at a good tempo in a good spirit.
“We needed to win. We set out this season to win a trophy and we’ve done that. It’s nice for some of the players who’ve never won - you could see their reactions at the end, they didn’t really know what to do!
SOUTHPORT: McMillan, Oliver, J Doyle, Anson, Tharme, Woods(Walton 72) Bainbridge, Archer (Newell 78) Hmami, Munro (C Doyle 85) Watson. ATTENDANCE: 605
MEDIA MAN OF THE MATCH: Charlie Munro