THREE GOALS in the first 15 minutes put Southport back to winning ways and extended their lead at the top of the Blue Square North.

Michael Powell put the visitors ahead after just six minutes, tapping in from close range after his initial header from Mark Duffy’s cross was blocked on the line.

Five minutes later, Duffy himself grabbed a goal, lobbing the keeper from 20 yards with a sublime chip.

Striker Neil Robinson, making his first start of the season, then found the net in the 15th minute, showing good strength to shrug off his marker to head in Matty McGinn’s cross at the far post.

Duffy could have got a second and with it a ‘goal of the season’ contender seconds later, when his fierce 30-yard drive, hit exquisitely on the half-volley, was tipped over by Danny Alcock.

With tonight’s game at Hinckley in mind, Southport sat back to conserve energy but while Stafford had much of the possession, they failed to trouble Tony McMillan.