In their sixth meeting of this season, this game started off in a fast pace, as decent conditions suited both teams, more so than last weekend.

Southport produced the early pressure with Ciaran Kilheeney feed a ball through to Matty McGinn whose fierce shot was well blocked by James Coates. Liam Watson’s tactical plans were dealt a blow in the fifth minute when Alan Moogan needed substituting after pulling a muscle in his leg. However, moments later Neil Robinson headed the ball over from close range.

Vauxhall looked dangerous in the last third as Matty McGinn fouled Jonathan Egerton right on the edge of the penalty box, with Alan Griffiths’ fierce free-kick taking a deflection off the wall before going out for a corner. Just before the half hour, Port failed to clear a corner kick which went through to Mattie Burke, whose shot into the near post was well read by Tony McMillan.

Five minutes before the break Vauxhall were offered an opening on goal as a mis-kick back from McGinn released Chris Noone through on a one-on-one with Tony McMillan, who did well to block the shot with his legs.

The improvement in Vauxhall’s form maintained into the second half, as they scuppered most of Southport’s advances. It wasn’t until the hour that Southport worked their next opening as a neat header from Earl Davis fed Neil Robinson who blasted the ball into the side netting.

There were few chances for the remainder of the game, with both sides settling to share the points.