Twice this season Southport have been saved from defeat against Alfreton Town by a stoppage time equaliser, but if the Sandgrounders benefited from a stroke of luck in the teams’ previous meetings, there was nothing fortuitous about the outcome tonight.
A comprehensive performance, a conclusive win. Hearts may have been in mouths among the Haig Avenue crowd as the visitors pressed well after the allotted three minutes of additional time had elapsed, but in truth this was a match that Liam Watson’s side deserved to win by a more comfortable margin.

Having lost twice to Alfreton over the course last season, a fully merited victory here will give Southport a fillip not only ahead of their next FA Cup assignment at Gateshead, but also as their focus returns to league matters on Saturday with a trip to AFC Telford United.

Southport’s dominance grew as the match progressed, and they should take much credit for the way in which they countered Alfreton’s physical approach and contained the threat of Paul Clayton and Liam Hearn.

In an entertaining tie, their football was impressive, with Michael Powell and Matty McGinn prominent in a midfield that was both solid and creative.

McGinn’s thumping 25-yard free-kick broke the deadlock on the half-hour with the first clear-cut attempt of the match. Chris Simm slid a shot wide after demonstrating good strength and footwork to fend off Kyle McFadzean, and not until the stroke of the interval did Alfreton threaten; Aden Flint’s effort scrambled off the line by Ashley Winn.

Anthony Howell restored parity on 52 minutes with a coolly-dispatched penalty after Chris Lever had impeded Ian Ross, but it served only to increase Southport’s offensive threat. Steve Daly should have scored when he instead shaved the post after fastening onto a full-back from the busy Simm.

Powell, Simm and McGinn were all culpable in front of goal, but Ciaran Kilheeney sealed Southport’s progression with a penalty 11 minutes from time. Having received a pass from Powell, the striker was deemed to have been caught by McFadzean, before converting with a strong strike.

It was a debatable award to say the least, but no one could dispute the Sandgrounders’ right to progress.