A FIRST goal in nearly two years from Chris Lever and one from striker Steve Daly sent Port back to the top of the Blue Square North.

Southport started their match at Workington knowing Droylsden’s 2-1 victory at Vauxhall Motors earlier in the day had momentarily knocked them off top spot.

But a rare goal on 24 minutes from Lever before Daly grabbed his ninth league strike of the campaign just after the break to give the Sandgrounders a lead they seldom looked like relinquishing.

Despite a shaky start, Liam Watson’s men would seal a win characterised by a resolve in defence and ruthlessness in attack – one befitting of the division’s best side.

With no nonsense defender Earl Davis and summer recruit Rob Marsh-Evans sitting out through suspensions, Port were forced to reshuffle their backline. As boss Watson said, Shaun Gray was drafted in at left

back with Kevin Lee moving across to partner captain Adam Flynn at the heart of the Yellows’ defence.

Southport headed into the clash confident with consecutive Blue Square North victories and a Lancashire Co-operative Challenge Trophy win to their name, but approached the game with Darren Edmondson’s side cautiously.

A resolute performance from Workington at Haig Avenue last season forced a 0-0 draw whilst Droylsden had fallen victim to the Reds just three weeks prior.
But Southport had fond memories of last trip to West Cumbrian, a 1-0 win in February last season, courtesy of Ciaran Kilheeney’s 14th minute strike, ended a four game winless streak.

However Port were met seemingly with the Workington who took the scalp of Dave Pace’s Droylsden as a the home side started strongly, Gareth Arinson broke down the left and only the finger tips of Tony McMillan prevented the opening goal. Arnison would have a further effort on goal before

Anthony Wright volleyed just over. Port were looking remarkably uncomfortable in the opening stages but eventually settled as Alan Moogan imposed himself on proceedings.

They rubber stamped their resurgence on 24 when Lever stabbed home Gray’s free-kick.

Initially the hosts toiled aftter going behind but soon rediscovered their attacking presence and Tony McMillan had to block Anthony Wright’s quality low drive. Appeals for penalties for both sides were waved away as the half ended with the home side on top.

Port extended their lead on 53 minutes when Kilheeney’s tenacity paid off as he robbed the ball from Kyle May in the home area before unselfishly squaring to Daly to slide home.

Workington tried to mount a late assault on the visiting goal, but with captain Adam Flynn typifying Port’s defiance at the back, conceding a goal never looked likely.

Southport: McMillan, Lever, Gray, Flynn, Lee, Moogan, Winn, Powell, Daly (Simm, 68), Kilheeney (Aley,, 80), McGinn (Barnes, 90). Subs: Barnes, Booth, Eastham.