Southport exit the FA Trophy going down 1-0 to National League Southend United.

As Jim says in his post match interview, it was a case of nearly but not quite.

A goal in the 58th minute saw the home side progress which overall was deserved but chances for Sonny Hilton when clean through and a Danny Lloyd miss in the closing stages could have seen the game go to penalties but it was not to be.

The highest FA Trophy gate we have played in front of since 2001, 3113 which contained a superb Southport following of 166 who were in good voice throughout the game, witnessed a scrappy first half with chances at a premium and it always looked like one goal would settle it and so it proved.

The away goal drought continues for The Sandgrounders

SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher thought his side were as comfortable as they could be in their win over Southport.

A second-half header from Shrimpers midfielder Keenan Appiah-Forson sent the hosts into the fifth round of the Isuzu FA Trophy.

And Maher considered it a case of job done for the hosts.“The most important thing in a cup game is to win it and we’ve done that pretty comfortably,” said the Southend boss.

“I’m really pleased with how the lads played.

We’d have liked more goals but the way it went this morning and this afternoon in terms of injuries it’s all credit to the players.”

The win was the Shrimpers’ third in succession and Maher is pleased with the momentum being built.

“It ends a good week with three wins and three clean sheets so we’re building momentum,” said Maher. “They were in a low block which is the hardest thing to break down so you have to be patient.

“When the moment comes you have to take it and Keenan took it well.

“We had other chances but it was as close to comfortable as it could be without getting the second goal. We’re really pleased to be in the hat and it’s something we want to do well in.”

The Shrimpers secured victory in the 58th minute when Appiah-Forson headed home a left wing cross from James Morton.

Sonny Hilton wasted Port’s best chance, firing wide of the left post when through on goal.

STAR MAN: James Morton (Southend)

ENTERTAINMENT: 2/5