ANSON’S FOCUS IS ONLY ON ADDING UPSETS

SOUTHPORT’S unlikely goal hero Adam Anson believes uncertainty surrounding the National League season places an even bigger emphasis on achieving FA Trophy success this year.

The centre-back netted a 68th-minute winner as the Sandgrounders booked a last-16 date with Torquay United with a 2-1 victory over another topflight promotion hopeful, FC Halifax Town, on Tuesday night.

It came on the day that the DCMS funding row threatened to further disrupt the truncated league campaign, but nothing was going to sour Anson’s night to savour.

“It’s been a long time since I scored a goal,” the 23-year-old told the club’s website.

“It was more about the team performance, getting the win was more important, especially not knowing what’s happening with the league. “I know the FA Trophy is probably going to carry on so it’s something for us and fans to carry on fighting for.”

Next up for Liam Watson’s men is the visit of the runaway National League leaders but Anson insists his Port side can take heart from a giant-killing season, in all cup competitions. “Anything can happen in football, like the FA Cup,” he added. “Look at Chorley’s run of form and Marine’s. Like I said, anything can happen in football and I’m looking forward to getting back out on the pitch in February.”

Indeed, just managing to make the trip to The Shay on Tuesday night was an achievement in itself for Southport, who were playing their first game since a Boxing Day draw at Curzon Ashton. And Anson insisted the lay-off just made them hungrier to get back out onto the pitch. “[There was] a few sore legs and tight muscles in the morning but we had two training sessions to prepare for it,” he added. “We’ve been ticking over and kept ourselves fit so looking forward to the next game.”