There is one match against Redditch United that Southport supporters will never forget, but tonight Liam Watson had reason to reflect on another past meeting between the sides.
In the corresponding fixture last season, the Sandgrounders were surprisingly beaten by their opponents from the Midlands having surrendered a two-goal half-time lead. It was their second home defeat of the campaign and part of a run that threatened to undo a promising start to the league programme.

12 months on, such comparisons highlight the progress made by Southport since then.

Having chalked up four straight league wins, fans will have arrived at Haig Avenue this evening expecting to watch Southport produce a routine win, and that was exactly what they got. Although Redditch put up a creditable fight, with Watson conceding Southport made “hard work” of their task, the destination of the points was never in question, as the Sandgrounders extended their healthy advantage at the top.

Southport are currently enjoying their best run of form since Watson’s return to the club, and not only are his side now winning matches, they are doing so convincingly. Having kept consecutive clean sheets for the first time this season, there is also evidence that the durability of last year is now being allied to other improvements shown in recent weeks.

Ashley Winn’s first league strike of the season took the number of different players to have scored for the Sandgrounders this campaign to 13, and while two-goal Earl Davis had to be content with only an assist tonight, the defender’s colossal influence at the back was again there for all to see.

Southport’s start was good, and after seeing Matty McGinn send a ferocious 25-yard drive against an upright, their 28th minute lead was deserved. As with McGinn’s chance, indecision from Liam Francis was exploited, with Powell’s measured through-ball releasing Winn, who displayed the composure of a seasoned goalscorer.

Powell’s header from an Adam Flynn centre was deflected wide, and although Redditch largely failed to threaten despite some good passages of play, Jack Byrne’s sweetly-struck effort was clawed out by Tony McMillan shortly before the break.

The visitors continued on the front foot for the opening part of the second period but for all the willingness they displayed, their efforts produced nothing meaningful. McMillan again got the better of Byrne after Ciaran Kilheeney and Chris Lever had earlier threatened at the opposite end, but Southport made sure nine minutes before time.

Davis’ header from a trademark Zac Aley long throw was parried by goalkeeper Danny Lewis into the path of Michael Powell, who gladly did the rest.