SOUTHPORT grabbed dramatic late goals against Vauxhall Motors to claim victory and climb to the top of the Blue Square North.

For long periods it looked like being a case of an opportunity missed for Liam Watson’s men but goals from substitutes Steve Daly, Kevin Lee and then Robbie Booth in injury time overturned Motors’ lead.

With the three points Port overtook Stalybridge Celtic to claim top spot in the division and keep their title charge on track.

Vauxhall who were in need of the points to pull themselves out of the relegation zone threatened to upset the odds.

Southport’s bid to go top of the table took an early glitch as a lacklustre opening to the match was punished by a vicious strike from Vauxhall’s Brian Moogan, cousin of Port midfielder Alan.

Motormen right back Moogan lashed the ball past a helpless Tony McMillan on the volley from outside the area.

The goal advantage was no less than the sprightly Motors deserved and although they rarely tested McMillan in the Sandgrounders goal, their pressure and work rate upset any rhythm Southport tried to create.

The inability of Southport to take control of the match was clearly to the frustration of Port manager Watson. He vented most of his anger at the sub par performance towards the midfield four.

Even though Southport dominated possession in the latter stages of the first half Vauxhall stood firm in the face of mounting pressure and threatened with pacy wide man Karl Noon for the home side.

Yellows manager Watson cut a disgruntled figure in the away dugout as half-time approached whereas his opposite number Carl Macauley would have been delighted with the composure his side showed.

Southport adopted a changed 3-5-2 formation after the break to try and win the battle in the middle of the pitch as Josh Wilson stung the palms of McMillan from long range. Moments late Southport striker Chris Simm wasted their best chance up to that point blazing over from 15 yards.

Steve Daly’s introduction on the hour at the expense of Simm came as little surprise as Watson looked to add presence to his attack.

The second half bombardment which Southport then inflicted on Vauxhall’s goal was inevitable and Louis-Hamilton had to react well to deny Ciaran Kilheeney’s close range header but could do little about Daly’s 70th minute glancing effort which nestled in at the far post after Ashley Winn’s corner.

Daly’s goal breathed new life into the away side who encamped in the Vauxhall half though Motors’ threat on the break remained.

With 10 minutes left Southport’s Matty McGinn was forced to make two goalsaving blocks, first from Noon and then James Holden.

It proved a heartbreaking moment for Vauxhall as Lee strode onto Booth’s pass to slot Southport into the lead on 85 minutes. Booth then turned scorer in added on time finishing off a flowing counter attack to send Port top.