SOUTHPORT had to come from behind against a plucky Vauxhall Motors side to secure a place in the FA Cup third qualifying round.

Liam Watson’s side enter this morning’s draw thanks to a two-goal salvo from striker Neil Robinson and James Connolly’s first goal for the club. But Motors pressed Southport throughout and will feel aggrieved not to have at least secured a replay at the Motassist Arena.

Southport took the lead in the 14th minute when Earl Davis flicked on McGinn’s throw into the path of Robinson, who volleyed crisply home from close range.

On the half time whistle, Motors snatched an equaliser against the run of play as Port were found napping. Tom Rooney found space on the right and his fierce shot from the edge of the area left McMillan stranded.

Carl Macauley’s team then established the lead six minutes after the interval, with Rooney converting from the penalty spot after Moogan was adjudged to have felled former Port forward Karl Noon.

Southport rallied and Robinson netted a deserved equaliser soon after, stooping low to convert Tony Gray’s corner at the back post.

In the ascendancy thanks to introduction of tough tackling Chris Price, Port then regained the lead. Another tricky McGinn throw-in was headed against the bar by Robinson, with Connolly on hand to prod the ball past a gaggle of players.