SOUTHPORT survived a second half comeback and the dismissal of Kevin Lee to see off Spennymoor Town and progress to the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round.

The tie developed into a pulsating match as Spennymoor Town threatened to cause the upset of the round with a fabulous second period display.

Port on the otherhand were a shadow of the side who cruised through the opening 45 minutes, going in at the break with a 2-0 lead.

The two goal buffer proved vital for the Sandgrounders as Keith Graydon netted from the penalty spot to turn up the heat on a nervy Southport.

But, having weathered a sizeable Town storm, substitute Zac Aley headed Port’s third goal to spare any blushes.

Frustrations at a poor second half showing from Port boiled over late on when Lee was sent off for a reckless lunge on Anthony Peacock.

The first goal in any cup tie of this type was always likely to be key and that it fell to Southport, ultimately proved a pivotal moment.

Goalkeeper Andrew Spence was ajudged to have brought down Ciaran Kilheeney and Steve Daly clinically slotted home the resulting penalty on 20.

The Sandgrounders visibly grew in stature and began to impose their superior power and quality on Spennymoor.

No Port player better summed this up than winger Matty McGinn who was a constant thorn in the Town side, his constant guile on the left was the hub from where the home side prospered.

McGinn’s jinking run on 43 allowed him the room to cross for Michael Powell to head in on 43 to give Southport a deserved lead at the break.

However the sides emerged after break with roles reversed and in truth Southport will count themselves a tad fortunate to be in the hat for Monday’s Third Qualifying Round draw