Much like their win in the reverse fixture at Borough Park, Southport claimed maximum points against Workington tonight with an accomplished performance.
There have certainly been more spectacular wins for the Sandgrounders over the course of the season, but in terms of getting the job done against opponents of a decent standard, no one could have asked for more.
The removal of Farsley Celtic’s results this season means Southport have not had a league defeat recorded at home since last March, and they took their unbeaten run at Haig Avenue to 19 games in conclusive fashion.
A day after Newport County made sure of the Blue Square South title with seven matches to spare, the situation at the top of the northern division, by contrast, could not be tighter.
Victory by a further goal for the Sandgrounders would have seen them reclaim the league leadership for the first time since January. Instead, Liam Watson’s side remain second with goal-difference now level, but will be content in the knowledge that they still have an extra game to make up the ground.
.JPG)
With Workington possessing the Blue Square North’s most resilient defence yet the poorest scoring record, this was never going to be a goal fest. Indeed, it was two set-plays that proved decisive as the Sandgrounders completed their task in an efficient first half.
Chris Simm, who worked willingly in attack all night, opened the scoring on 28 minutes with a downward header that crept inside the far post from Matty McGinn’s free-kick.
And Southport’s second goal in the third minute of added time followed the same route. McGinn’s delivery from a similar position on the right was knocked back towards the target by Earl Davis, allowing Steve Daly to flick the ball in with his head.
Though Southport dictated the first half, the visitors ensured that chances were few and far between.
Michael Powell almost netted what would have been a significant third as he headed wide with full-time approaching, but Watson felt his side had taken their eye off the ball in the second period.
Workington showed their worth earlier in the season with a run in the FA Trophy that accounted for AFC Wimbledon and Rushden & Diamonds before exiting at the quarter-final stage, but their problem this campaign has been a lack of goals.
Jonny Wright sent a shot from 20 yards against the crossbar, before Phil McLuckie’s angled drive was deflected wide after a strong run down the right. And substitute Ryan Bowman brought a strong, low stop from goalkeeper Tony McMillan, whose save ended any hope the visitors may have held of finding a route back into the contest.
Southport: Tony McMillan, Kevin Lee, Chris Lever (Shaun Gray 30), Adam Flynn, Earl Davis, Alan Moogan (Robbie Booth 70), Ashley Winn, Michael Powell, Steve Daly (Fola Onibuje 66), Chris Simm, Matty McGinn.
Subs not used: Sean Lake, Paul Barratt.
Workington: Tony Caig, Andy Langford (Ryan Bowman 70), Gari Rowntree, Kyle May, Lee Andrews, Shaun Vipond, Phil McLuckie, Tony Hopper, Jonny Wright (David Hewson 70), Gareth Arnison, Ryan Anthony Wright.
Subs not used: Stephen Hindmarch, Callum Ruttledge, Andy Hardman.
Referee: Paul Marsden
Attendance: 709
Report by Alan Jones
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.jpg)
.JPG)
Updates from Colin Hill at Haig Avenue