Southport turned in a classy away performance at big-spending Gainsborough Trinity to move behind Blue Square North leaders Droylsden on goal difference.

Liam Watson’s side spoiled the party atmosphere at the Northolme stadium celebrating ex-Aston Villa boss Brian Little’s first home game in charge.

A polished game plan executed perfectly by the Sandgrounders banished the memories of poor recent home performances.

Despite a rumoured £13,000 wage bill, Trinity’s stars looked ordinary as the likes of Ciaran Kilheeney, Matty McGinn, Paul Barratt and Alan Moogan stepped up to the plate.

Kilheeney bagged his tenth goal in nine games in the 13th minute to put Port ahead, prodding home from close range after Trinity failed to clear a deep McGinn throw.

Glynn Hurst hit back for the home side against the run of play as he swept the ball beneath McMillan from Burberry’s set play.

But the hosts defensive frailties were exploited by Matty McGinn as half time loomed, the left winger burying a crisp half-volley from the edge of the box, after Picton failed to clear Lee’s crossfield pass.

Former Premiership boss Little tinkered with Trinity’s formation during the interval, sticking three up front, which paid dividends when Hurst diverted McMahon’s cross past McMillan.

The equaliser buoyed home support among the 530-strong crowd – but Watson’s introduction of a second striker, Steve Daly, was a masterstroke.

Port ran away with the game following his introduction and subsequent two goals.

Davis flicked on McGinn’s lethal deep throw in from the left for the striker to slam past keeper Barnes on the bounce.

He wrapped up the win with a powerful 15-yard finish after unselfish play from Kilheeney to lay the ball back from the byline.

Liam Watson was delighted with the win and told the Visiter he wasn’t too concerned with the number of goals being conceded by his defence.

He said: “All in all it was a good performance but I am disappointed we had to win the game three times.

“I changed the formation in the second half and brought Dales (Daly) on because they are quite an old team compared to us

That’s eight goals in a week and we look capable of scoring whenever we go forward. We did work a lot in summer in terms of going forward and we involve the full backs more in the game than we did last season.

“It makes us a bit more vulnerable in defence but I guess it’s better for the fans!”