SOUTHPORT fell to their first defeat of the season after an uninspiring performance at Haig Avenue.

The Sandgrounders remain top of Blue Square North, but Saturday's lacklustre display will raise alarm bells with manager Liam Watson.

Veteran striker Leo Fortune-West was ultimately the difference between the two sides, the former Gillingham man scoring the game's only goal in the 35th minute.

The 37-year-old met Jordan Hall's cross 10 yards out to slide the ball past McMillan as Port protested in vain for offside.

Robbie Booth should have put the hosts ahead moments before when presented with an open goal, but the winger’s shot from outside the box trickled wide.

That was as clear-cut as chances came until late in the second half when Port tried to up the ante.

Earl Davis thought he had equalised with five minutes left as he blasted the ball through a crowd of players, but the linesman adjudged a Southport player to be interfering with play.