Southport goalkeeper Steve Dickinson was the star of a Conference clash that won’t live long in the memory. After breaking Yeovil hearts with three great saves in the first half, he laid on the equaliser that put Southport on top soon after the break.
After a drab opening spell Yeovil skipper Steve Stott broke through in the 28th minute and his powerful drive was pushed away superbly by Dickinson. Home striker Adrian Foster reacted quickest to get to the rebound, but again Dickinson saved superbly, touching Foster’s header onto a post. Once again, the rebound fell to Foster and this time the goalkeeper was helpless as the former Rushton and Diamonds man slid the ball into the next from four yards.
Yeovil, now playing with more confidence, went looking for a second goal and looked certain to get it on 38 minutes, when Charlie Griffin, on loan from Swindon Town, put Foster away. He turned neatly and shot to Dickinson’s left, but once again the goalkeeper got down well.
At half time, Southport were forced to replace Scott Guyett, who needed a stitch in a head wound. It was his replacement Lee Elam who equalised.
Fittingly, Dickinson was the provider. He pumped a wind-assistance clearance down the right, where Yeovil defenders dithered, allowing Elam to take possession. He spotted goalkeer Tony Pennock off his line and lifted the ball cleverly over his head from outside the box.
It was now Southport in control, although they did have a let-off on 64 minutes when Matt Stowell headed against the bar following a corner.
Southport’s pressure, however, failed to create many on-target shots, although Yeovil’s defence was relieved to keep them at bay.
With two minutes to go, Foster almost pinched the points for Yeovil. He headed goalwards from two yards following a corner, but once again Dickinson was in the right place.