Sandgrounders’ Cup aim

Sep 29 2007 by James Pearce, Liverpool Daily Post

MANAGER Peter Davenport admits it’s time Southport enjoyed an extended run in the FA Cup.

It’s been five years since they enjoyed a stunning 4-2 win against Notts County in the first round at Haig Avenue.

Last season Port crashed out at the first hurdle when they lost at Kettering but today Southport start out on the long road to Wembley when they make the short trip to Skelmersdale United.

The tie is worth £3,750 in prize-money to the winners with a further £5,000 up for grabs in the next round. Davenport said: “Financially it can be very profitable if you get through a few rounds. It’s a fantastic competition and you never know where it’s going to lead.

“The league is our priority this season but it would be great to have a cup run.”

Last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Redditch saw Southport remain third in Blue Square North, three points adrift of Kettering. “We were disappointed we didn’t get the three points and we just need to produce a bit more going forward,” Davenport said.

Meanwhile, a number of Southport players are signing up to go on coaching courses this season.

Davenport revealed: “We believe the players will personally benefit by taking a course. We’re trying to get them to be better footballers but there’s also one eye on the future.”