SOUTHPORT, who beat Gateshead 3-1 at Haig Avenue last week, carried on where they left off.

They mounted a series of attacks which had the visiting defence in all sorts of trouble, but they could not make the vital break through.

In fact it needed a fine save by Evans to prevent a diving header by Justin Robson, brother of Manchester United’s Bryan, to giving Gateshead the lead.

Southport however still soon regained command and took the lead in the 37th minute through COLEMAN who stabbed the ball home from a through pass by Fagan.

Shortly afterwards Coleman was unlucky not to score again, when his close range header rebounded off a post.

Half-time: Southport 1, Gateshead 0.

Southport v Gateshead

Southport, chasing a place in the first round proper of the F.A. Trophy, made the early running but without seriously troubling the Gateshead defence, writes Albert Draper.

Gateshead took control for a time and Bell struck a fierce free kick from the edge of the area just over while King put away for a corner a dangerous cross from Henderson.

Back came Southport for McCormack to head just wide from a corner.The game developed in a see-saw struggle. Sturgeon and Mutch both had efforts blocked for Southport while at the other end Evans had to fling himself sideways to deny Robson.

After 37 minutes Southport went ahead. Quinn began the move which was carried on by Fagan before COLEMAN prodded the ball home from close range.

Then Coleman was desperately unlucky with a glancing header from Fagan’s cross which hit the post.

Half-time: Southport 1, Gateshead 0.