SOUTHPORT V HORDEN C.W

SOUTHPORT.—Birkett; Hodgson, Boyle; Hacking, Blagg, Banks; Iddon, Owens, Wyles, McGorrighan, Goodwin.

HORDEN.—Heywood; Minto, Hubble; Hayward, Lockie, Curzon; Hope, Housam, Cummins, Armes, Fenton.

Referee: Mr. J W. Richards (Cheadle).

The game had what might have been a disastrous opening for Southport. In Horden’s first move Birkett was knocked out in a collision with Cummins and was carried off.

Hodgson took his place in goal, but Birkett after attention resumed within a few minutes.

Southport did most of the earlier attacking, but got no change out of the Horden defence which tackled keenly.

Owens was given a chance by Wyles, but Lockie smartly dispossessed him before he could get in a shot. Iddon twice had good efforts blocked out.

Horden were showing good understanding in approach work and Birkett did well to smother the ball at the feet of Housam almost on the goal line after a great run by Fenton.

Play was becoming rather one-sided with Southport constantly storming the Horden goal. Shots were smothered, but a goal seemed inevitable.

It came in 32 minutes when OWENS got his head to a McGorrighan cross from near the corner flag and scored his first goal of the season.

Half-time. — Southport 1, Horden 0.