Francis rescues Dover

Dover substitute Sean Francis struck a 70th-minute equaliser to deny Southport a third successive Conference success following a 2-2 draw.

Stefan Payne headed the visitors ahead in the second minute, but Southport quickly surged ahead. John Marsden levelled on 11 minutes before Joe Connor headed the hosts in front six minutes later.

But Francis had the final say, after he replaced Craig Stone in the first half, as Dover settled for a point even though they remained winless away from home in six games.

Stone had teed up Payne’s early goal before he was forced off before half-time. Even then he had seen his side slip behind as David Fitzpatrick set up both home goals.

He cut the ball in for Marsden to score with a turn and finish before picking out Connor with a cross, which had looked like being his second successive match-winner before Francis stepped in.

Press Association