GAME ABANDONED ON 84 MINUTES DUE TO FLOODLIGHT FAILURE AT 0-0

It promised much, but in the end no-one knew whether this top-of-the-table clash had delivered anything at all.

The outcome of an eagerly anticipated Blue Square North showdown was expected to have a major bearing on the fortunes of Southport and Stalybridge Celtic this season. As they departed Bower Fold tonight, however, both teams were in the dark over what result had actually been reached.

After days of uncertainty brought about by the effects of the wintry weather, it was not until mid-morning that the game was given the green light. Eight hours later, we feared that the whole thing might count for nothing.

Snow, freezing temperatures and standing water had all been cited as reason for a possible postponement. Ultimately, it was floodlight failure that put paid to a match which started but never finished.

On course to end goalless, the contest was abandoned six minutes from time. As they exited the ground, club officials could not say if the result would stand, with the matter expected to be referred to the board of the Football Conference to rule whether a replay can be avoided. It is understood that both teams were willing to accept the draw, but the final say will rest with the leagues administrators.

With the match nearing its conclusion, referee Scott Oldham seemed prepared to let play continue as one of four floodlight pylons went out. The official called a halt to proceedings soon after as a second set of lights failed and, following a five minute delay, he confirmed the abandonment as the entire ground plunged into darkness.

It is the second time in three seasons that Southport have encountered floodlight failure at this venue, after suffering a stoppage of over half-hour during the second half of their match in February 2008.

With no result from tonight recorded, Southports lead at the top of the division is reduced to six points, while Stalybridges fixture pile-up shows no sign of reducing.

Although a scoreless draw might be seen as a comedown after the 5-0 dismantling of Fleetwood Town two days earlier, Southport will have been content to settle for a point against fifth-placed Stalybridge, who will overtake the Sandgrounders should they take full advantage of their games in hand.

While Liam Watsons side were the only team to threaten the scoring during a first half they controlled, their opponents applied some heavy pressure as the match progressed. If Saturday saw Southport at their potent best, then this was the chance to demonstrate their defensive resolve against a team undefeated since losing at Haig Avenue in August.

It is the first time the Sandgrounders have failed to hit the target in the Blue Square North this season, but they should have broken the deadlock on 18 minutes, as Steve Daly was played in by a ball over the top from Michael Powell, only for the striker to place his shot against the base of a post with goalkeeper Dave Carnell advancing from his line.

Carnell had earlier foiled a header from Daly, while Ciaran Kilheeney ought to have done better at the far post after a hanging cross from Matty McGinn had rounded off sharp approach play.

However, the home sides renewed intent was evident from the outset of the second half. Matty Barlow fluffed his lines from an inviting position, before the increasingly influential Dave Hankin released Joe ONeill, whose curling shot flew across the face of goal.

Both teams had worked hard, but the result was no longer in their hands. With Bower Fold cast into darkness, the outcome remains shrouded in mystery.