STEVE Daly grabbed a dramatic late equaliser for Southport this afternoon at Northwich Victoria.


In a barnstorming finish to a game which had otherwise failed to inspire, Port staged a valiant revival following Daly’s introduction into the game on 56 minutes.


Playing three strikers, the Yellows dominated the second period of the half and Vics had to survive some nervous moments before Daly won and then converted from the spot on 84 minutes.


Northwich manager Andy Preece was not shy in voicing his displeasure at the decision but was more than likely gutted his side were unable to withstand Port’s pressure for another 10 minutes. But Southport should have levelled earlier in the half when Chris Simm rounded the goalkeeper only for his shot to strike the post, Daly’s follow up would be cleared off the line.


There was a sense of first half deja vu in the opening period at Northwich Victoria this afternoon, as Port had to play patiently and far from at their best, only to concede a goal late in the half.


Vics’ Michael Connor profitted on Port’s failure to deal with a free kick to lash home from 10 yards from the right on 38 minutes.
It was free kick which may have left the Yellows fuming after Adam Flynn was adjudged to have fouled Mark Danks and then booked – it looked a fair challenge from the view afforded by the press bench.


The goal was a rude awakening for the Sandgrounders in much the same way Harrogate Town and Rory Coleman stunned the home support on Saturday with the opening goal of the game.


Northwich enjoyed the majority of possession in the first period but did little with it yet when Liam Watson’s men had the ball they looked the more menacing without creating chances of note.


Port’s best opportunity finally arrived a minute after Vics struck, Ciaran Kilheeney played Paul Barratt clean in on the home goal but the former Northwich man shot over the bar as keeper James Spencer advanced.