REPORT | Away Delight Again

Club Website, Nov 17, 2020

Connor Woods netted his first league goal as Southport returned to winning ways with a conclusive victory at Bradford (Park Avenue).

Woods bagged a fine individual strike midway through the second half after an opener from Jordan Archer in the first period put the Port on course for another away success.

Liam Watson’s side are unbeaten in their four games on the road so far this campaign with three victories now on their travels.

And they had to see out the result at a numerical disadvantage after the dismissal of Matt Challoner late in the game for a second yellow card.

Playing on an artificial surface at Horsfall Stadium in windy conditions, the Port registered a hugely professional performance to claim a welcome win which was the ideal tonic to successive home defeats.

Bradford had their moments during the opening period but Watson’s side defended well and, once ahead, they never looked like letting their lead slip.

Nicky Clee and Lewis Knight both had chances for the hosts during the early stages, before a dangerous cross from Ryan Toulson was met by Adam Nowakowski but he headed over.

And Nowakowski almost benefited from a slip from Dan Hanford, the Port keeper recovering well to avert the danger after a sliced clearance.

Perhaps that was the wake-up call the Port needed as, with their first real chance of the game, the visitors were ahead.

Niall Watson switched play to out to the left, allowing Jack Doyle to make the incision. His low, drilled cross into a crowded penalty arear was touched in by Archer for his second goal since returning to the club last week.

The Port almost extended their advantage straight away at the end of a crisp passing move, resulting in a shot from Woods which was turned aside by Dan Atkinson.

The home side started the second half with intent, Knight weaving his way into the area before lifting an angled shot over the Port bar.

But after weathering the initial Bradford pressure, Southport reasserted their level of control, Woods adding the second goal on 69 minutes with a lofted effort from wide on the right after spotting keeper Atkinson off his line.

It allowed Southport to see out the result with authority, Doyle bringing the best out of Atkinson with a free-kick that was heading for the top left-hand corner.

With full-time approaching, Challoner was shown a second yellow card for an off-the-ball incident but it could not prevent the Port from picking up the points on the road once again.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Atkinson, Ross, Boyes, Marriott, Havern, Lund (Downing 88), Toulson (Sanyang 66), Hibbs, Nowakowski, Knight, Clee (Windass 78).
Subs not used: Huffer, Lyons.

Soiuthport: Hanford, Oliver, Doyle, Benjamin (Ali 72), Anson, Morgan, Woods (Vassallo 88), Challoner, Archer (Carver 79), Watson, Bainbridge.
Subs not used: McMillan, Winnard.

Referee: Paul Cooper