Southport’s promotion push was dealt a major blow at Haig Avenue as Nick Wright’s 34th-minute headed goal placed Tamworth on top of the Conference North table, nine points ahead of third-placed Port.
Port now need to win all their remaining league games, hoping that the Midlands-based side slip up.

Port found the visiting defence difficult to penetrate all evening.

Early on, a free-kick from Tony McMillan was headed on by Steve Daly towards Ciaran Kilheeny, but Danny Alcock cut out the danger.

Bradley Pritchard created a good chance for himself as he played a return pass with Gareth Sheldon, but his shot was cut out for a corner as the visitors started to apply pressure.

A few minutes after the half-hour mark, a lofted ball into the Port box bounced high, evading the defenders and allowing Wright to head home.

Minutes later, Tamworth had a good chance to double their lead as Sheldon shot horribly wide.

The best chance for Port after the break came as Adam Flynn played the ball out to Matty McGinn who whipped it into the box where Earl Davis’ header was saved.

With numbers committed up front, Port looked stretched as Pritchard set up Michael Blackwood. who headed for goal, only for Davis to clear for a corner.

Port hopes hinged on refereeing decisions, as a couple of penalty appeals were turned down in stoppage-time – with Flynn felled and strong claims for a hand-ball from a corner kick.

Southport: McMillan, Lee, Lever (Prince, 61), Flynn, Davis (Gray, 61), Moogan, Booth, Winn, Daly (Mitchley, 84), Kilheeney, McGinn. Subs (not used): Powell, Atkins

Referee: Peter Davies (Altrincham)

Attendance: 1,353