Five-star Southport poised for play-offs

Mar 24 2008 by Staff Copytaker, Liverpool Daily Post

Five-star Southport poised for play-offs

SOUTHPORT sent a clear message of intent to their fellow Blue Square North play-off hopefuls as they decisively beat second placed AFC Telford 5-1 in Shropshire.

Telford looked dangerous early on with skipper Jimmy Turner having a few good chances to gain the lead.

However, it was Southport who pulled ahead as Paul Barrett’s cross from the right was handled by Lee Vaughan with Tony Gray executing the penalty home.

Just before the break debutant and former Crewe striker Rodney Jack skilfully played a quality ball through to Michael Rae who made no mistake as he fired home from just inside the box.

As Telford looked to pull themselves back into the game early in the second half, Southport added another blow to their afternoon as Liam Blakeman played a precise ball into Rae who made no mistakes from close range as he scuffed the ball over the line.

Telford pulled a goal back as Asa Charlton’s free-kick from the edge of the area was delivered into the top right-hand corner, but the comeback was quelled as Southport restored their three-goal cushion within two minutes. Tony Gray received the ball from a short corner before confidently riding the challenge of two defenders burying the ball low into the net.

Neil Robinson sealed victory with minutes to go as he broke down the right wing and unchallenged fired the ball low beyond the hapless Ryan Young.

TELFORD: Young, Vaughan, Charlton, Turner, Thomas, Forsdick, Adams, Jagielka (Rodgers 69), Lewis (Husbands 58), Reynolds, Moore. Subs: Fitzpatrick, Roberts, Khela.

SOUTHPORT: Drench, Lever, Barratt, Hocking (James 79), Lee, Holland, Jack (Robinson 68), Blakeman, Rae (Duffy 81), Gray, Powell. Subs: Smith, Houghton.

REFEREE: Mr Paul Hobday, Tipton.

ATT: 2,351.