SOUTHPORT came back down to earth with a bump this afternoon, humbled by league newboys Ilkeston Town.

Goals at great times gave Town a lead they never looked like relinquishing and despite Ciaran Kilheeney andSteve Daly’s late efforts, Port rarely posed a threat.

Defeats are an accepted part of the game but it will be the manner in which the Sandgrounders lost here this afternoon which will cause most concern.

But for a late second revival which briefly gave Port hope of an unlikely comeback, their performance was in stark contrast to the previous two Blue Square North wins this season.

A dull first half was brought to life with two minutes remaining before the break when the home side bagged the opening goal.

Dan Holmes’ firmly struck shot from the edge of the area was spurned by Port keeper Tony McMillan into the path of Gary Ricketts who slid in to find the roof of the net.

One can only surmise from the level of performance the Sandgrounders displayed in the opening period their late arrival, and thus limited warm-up time, took afffect.

Liam Watson’ men were a far cry from the side that impressively swept aside Blyth Spartans in midweek and possessed none of the same quality.

Ilkeston Town were not a great deal better but looked the more threatening in the early exchanges, Paul Dempsey forced McMillan into a full stretch save and Sam Duncum was giving Chris Lever a busy afternoon.

At the other end, forwards Chris Simm and Ciaran Kilheeney were having little fortune against an imposing Town defence – Simm in particular looked exasperated with the way things were a panning out.

Matty McGinn did waste three shooting opportunities throughout the half and Kilheeney headed over from eight yards.

The second half started dreadfully for Port as within five minutes Ilkeston extended their lead, Ricketts tapped in from Duncum’s low cross.

On the hourn mark Town effectively wrapped the game up when Dan Holmes’ shot deflected past McMillan for 3-0.

Port were given hope when Kilheeney poached one back on 68 before substitute Steve Daly slotted home a penalty with seven minutes to go.

Despite Adam Flynn going close with a header, Ricketts heading against his own bar and Town clearing one off the line, the home side held on for a deserved win.