It was top versus bottom at Haig Avenue, and the gulf between the two sides was clear to see, with the visitors have little to show for their visit, arguably going away with a score-line which failed to show Southport’s dominance of the whole game.

After an incredibly slow start, Southport final took the lead in the 21st minute as some persistent work from Steve Daly, under pressure from four defender, ended up with his shot striking the cross bar, allowing Ciaran Kilheeney in to knock the ball into the empty net from very close range.

Southport doubled their lead ten minutes later as Mark Duffy released the ball out to Kilheeney on the right flank, with the striker running the ball into the box, striking low beyond a stranded keeper, with the ball sneaking into the net.

Three minutes later, Southport made it three as Matty McGinn received the ball just on the left, and blasted the ball home from just inside the area.

Chances came and went for Southport in the second half, with everyone willing Kilheeney to complete his hat-trick, but it was Michael Powell who had two very good chances to increase the lead further. Both his chances came thanks to Robbie Booth – the first from a corner which Powell headed wide, and the second from a right-wing Booth cross, but this time Powell’s header was well parried over the bar by James Lindley.

The visitors only chance came with five minutes remaining as the ball fell loose to Peter Knox in the Southport box, but hit the ball straight to McMillan.