Drench’s crucial role

Feb 2 2008 by James Pearce, Liverpool Daily Post

MANAGER Peter Davenport believes goalkeeper Steve Drench will have a crucial role to play in Southport’s promotion challenge.

The 22-year-old shot-stopper has made a big impression since arriving on loan from League Two outfit Morecambe last month.

This week he agreed to extend his stay at Haig Avenue until the end of the season and Davenport is delighted to have him on board.

He said: “It’s a real boost to be able to keep Steve with us and he would also be available for the play-offs if that’s where we end up.

“Steve is enjoying his football with us and was happy to stay. I’m sure he’s going to be a big player for us in the final months of the campaign.”

A product of Blackburn Rovers’ youth academy, Drench represented England at schoolboy and under-17s level.

He joined Morecambe on loan from Blackburn in November 2005 and retained his place following Ryan Robinson’s return to fitness.

After being released by Rovers he signed for Morecambe on a permanent basis and a stunning 2006/07 campaign saw him pick up a host of awards, including supporters’ player of the year.

Davenport will need Drench on top form today when the Sandgrounders face Blue Square North leaders Kettering at Rockingham Road.

Third-placed Port trail the Poppies by eight points but have a game in hand and Davenport is desperate to get their promotion push back on track after last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Worcester City.

He said: “If we can pick up points against the big teams around us then we'll have a great chance of achieving something.”