SOUTHPORT survived a potential opening day upset to kick start their Blue Square North campaign with a win over Gloucester City this afternoon.

Goals from Matty McGinn, Ciaran Kilheeney and an Earl Davis header – his first ever goal for the club – sandwiched in between put Port en route to three points.

City, promoted from the Southern Premier League, open end the scoring after just five minutes to send shockwaves round Haig Avenue and though outclassed for much of the second half bagged a late goal to set up a nervy finish.

Gloucester City made the kind of start their fans could only have dreamed of.

Clearly still on a roll from their promotion success in May, the Tigers openend the game with energy, enthusiasm and after five minutes, a goal.

Mike Symons outleapt Earl Davis from a throw-in to flick a fine header over and past Tony McMillan in the Port goal.

It would have been the kind of early onslaught Port were xpecting but one they would have looked to have weathered with far more efficiency.

But the Sandgrounders rallied and began to control possession – they would equalise six minutes later with an excellent headed goal of their own.

Chris Lever marched up from full-back to whip in a cross which found the forehaed of the on-rushing Matty McGinn who planted the ball past Mike Green.

The assist was provided by a fitting source, for Lever committed his future to the Yellows this week after interest from a number of league clubs.

If the supplier of the first goal was welcomed, the scorer of Southport’s second was greeted with a mighty roar of approval.

Earl Davis bagged his first ever goal for Port with a brave header from seven yards out following Adam Flynn’s hammered low cross into the area.

Mobbed by team-mates and idolised by fans, Davis’ goal was the perfect way to open the season.

Port started the second half in similarly dominant fashion and within eight minutes had extended their lead, keeper Green scuffed a clearance, the ball fell to Moogan who found the waiting Ciaran Kilheeney.

The Sandgrounders’ hitman showed composure to slid the ball past a red faced Green.

In truth, Southport looked a class apart for the majority of the half but failed to capitalise on their superiority, McGinn was denied a second header by a fine save from Green.

Jack Harris’ 70th minute strike from the edge of the area set up a tense final period but Port steadied the ship to secure the three points.