Bradford (PA) 0 Southport 5 Report

May 7, 2022

Southport went goal crazy in Yorkshire this afternoon and returned to Haig Avenue with five goals and all three points which saw an 11th place finish.

Chances came at regular intervals and the winning margin could easily have been greater had it not been for the impressive Sykes-Kenworthy in the Bradford goal.

Two Jordan Archer goals in the space of two minutes (16 and 18) the second from the penalty spot after Niall Watson had been brought down gave the visitors the lead  and Archer was only inches away from scoring what would have been a 5 minute hat-trick just failing to get on the end of a great Connor Woods cross.

Southport were on top and the home sides cause wasn’t helped when Nicky Clee was sent off in the 28th minute. We couldn’t see what the offence was at the time but were later advised that he kicked out at Woods whilst he was on the floor.

Chris Doyle put Southport 3-0 up by half time heading home a trademark Doug Tharme throw.

The second half saw Southport in total control and playing some lovely football on the plastic pitch. Granted it was against ten men but there was acres of space that the outstanding Charlie Munro was able to move into at will and spray passes around at will.

Southport went 4-0 up when Watson, having his best game for some time fired home in the 48th minute and he put the icing on the cake with the fifth in the 79th minute.

Bradford replaced their ‘keeper after the fifth went in but it was no reflection on his performance. It was pre-planned to give a youngster who had been impressing in the junior sides a chance to make his first team debut.

So the season draws to a close and it was pleasing to get the win both for the supporters who, as always, gave the lads tremendous backing but also as a reward for the lads who in a season of ups and downs have never given less than 100%. A great group of lads and deserved to end the season with a win.

Doug Tharme making his final appearance in a Southport shirt was replaced in the 81st minute to a well deserved ovation from the travelling fans.

Media Man Of The Match: Niall Watson

Att 519

Line Up : Mason, Oliver, Tharme (Benjamin 81), Anson, Woods (Hmami 63) Munro, C Doyle, Vassallo (J Doyle 66), Archer, Watson Bainbridge.