Southport 1 v 1 Workington

Southport were unable to spark into action following their week-end exploits, digging deep to trawl out a 1-1 draw, once again pushing them out of the play-off places, but with games in hand.

The game had a subdued start, with Rodney Jack trying a speculative shot from 20 yards which sailed over the bar, whilst at the other end Graham Anthony tried to lob the ball over Drench, but the Southport keeper was alert to the danger, guiding the ball over the bar for a corner.

Workington took the lead as Jonny Wright’s shot was diverted by Kevin Lee, and although Steve Drench got his hand on the ball, the ball trickled over the line by the time Craig Johnson arrived to ensure the ball hit the back of the net.

The visitors never gave Southport any respite, with Davenport’s action plan clearly not working with his players. He changed it around, adding Ollie James and Mark Duffy early in the second half, and their impact was almost immediate as James played a ball across goal through to Mark Duffy, but he shot was well blocked out by Gari Rowntree, who was happy to concede a corner.

Southport finally pulled level following a small spell of pressure as Paul Barratt whipped the ball in from the left wing, where Tony Gray climbed at the near post, heading the ball through the crowd of players into the back of the net.

Workington failed to lie down and surrender, and should have regained the lead with twelve minutes as the ball trickled through to Dan Gullen, who forced a good instinctive save from Steve Drench who forced the ball onto the post, with his defence scrambling the ball away.

Despite a late chance for Gray, Southport had little more to offer – but credit has to be given credit to the visitors who gave Southport a run for their money.