SOUTHPORT survived a late Stalybridge comeback to record their third win of the Blue Square North season.

In-form forward Ciaran Kilheeney grabbed both the goals in an exilirating display late in the first half from Port, but his side failed to add to the scoreline after the break.

Keith Briggs hammered in a lifeline for Celtic as the Sandgrounders were forced to weather a surge from the visitors.

The task was made harder when substitute Chris Simm was shown a red card for reacting to being fouled – fortunately the Yellows hung on for a derserved victory.

A first-half which started in subdued circumstances ended with Southport being clapped off.

The cheers which greeted the Sandgrounders as they went down the tunnel were in large part thanks to the goalscoring exploits of striker Ciaran Kilheeney.
On the half hour the marksman showed strength and poise to latch onto a ball over the top before lobbing Celtic keeper Paul Phillips.

If Kilheeney’s opener was a fine finish with his right foot, then his second just before the break was a sign of a striker in the highest of confidence.

Paul Barratt floated a superb pass through the heart of the Celtic defence, Kilheeney rushed onto it and with his left foot passed it beyond Phillips.

It brought a rousing end to a half that until the opening goal had lacked much quality, Stalybridge had created half chances whilst Steve Daly wasted Port’s best opening after 19 minutes.