The post-Paul Futcher era at Southport seems to be going pretty well so far. Last week saw a much improved performance and a quality following of vocal support, with the only downside being the result. This week a decent performance for the mostpart and again good vocal support, despite the cold weather, brought the result needed to boost confidence in the camp. A 3-2 win over rivals Barrow, of the Unibond league, sees Southport into the third round of the F.A. Trophy once again.
Southport got off to a good start taking the lead after just nine minutes. Lee Elam providing the cross for Lee Furlong to stoop and head home past the Barrow keeper, infront of the travelling band of supporters.
Southport were on top for much of the half and Mark Stuart had the ideal opportunity to increase the lead, going one on one with the keeper after Arnold had done all the hard work. Instead, Stuart poked the ball agonisingly wide of the post. Soon after Barrow equalised against the run of play. Despite rallying chants of “come on you yellows” Southport lost concentration and found themselves 2-1 down at the break, something which they clearly did not deserve.
After the break Barrow looked the more determined side but when Barrow were reduced to ten men after a professional foul on Ian Arnold, Mark Stuart’s quick thinking saw Southport equalise. With one of his custom free-kicks he lofted the ball over the wall into the empty net much to the amaze of the bewildered goalkeeper. The linesman had his flag raised but after consultation with the referee the goal stood and the home support was silenced. Southport were back in the game and things were looking up.
It took just a matter of minutes for Mark Stuart to create the winning goal for Ian Arnold. With a neat ball from the left splitting open the Barrow defence and catching the goalkeeper off guard,Ian Arnold raced through and grabbed his eigth goal of the season slotting calmly into the centre of the goal.
Ex-Port defender and current Barrow captain Greg Challender tried to rally his side but to no prevail and with Lee ‘Pele’ Trundle replacing the tired Lee Furlong, ‘Port nearly increased their lead. After escaping three defenders, and rounding the goalkeeper there was just one more defender between Trundle and glory. But he took just a little too long and the defender managed to get his body in the way of the ball and deflect it for a corner.
To next Saturday Southport now look with a difficult trip down to Hereford in the Conference with points a necessity in the revival of the Sandgrounders.