Southport progressed to the fourth round of the Setanta Shield last night.
The Sandgrounders soon had to deal with Jimmy Phillips’ half-chances, but keeper Ross Atkins stood firm before a long Matty McGinn cross was hit wide by Robbie Booth and Steve Daly pushed wide.

Stafford opened the scoring as a long ball foiled Shaun Gray, Phillips guiding into the box and firing under Atkins.

Yet Port levelled within 60 seconds, McGinn finding Daly who despatched low into the net.

Tony Gray hit the post and Daly tried his luck as Port kept on top, while after the break Stuart Pierpoint struck a 30-yard shot just wide.

David McNiven hit the bar as Port slipped, but they responded as Tony Gray tested Danny Alcock and Daly hit the post.

Port got the decider with 20 minutes left as Booth got to the line on the right, crossing high to the climbing Tony Gray, who headed down into the net.