SOUTHPORT return to the Blue Square North promotion race today when manager Liam Watson renews acquaintances with his former employers.

Watson’s second-placed side, who are just a point behind leaders Tamworth, travel to Burscough, from where he returned to Haig Avenue last summer for his second spell in charge of the Sandgrounders.

It is a tough test for Andy Mutch’s Burscough, who are struggling in the bottom three and have yet to secure a home league win after nine Victoria Park games, while Southport have lost only once on their travels in 15 games in all competitions.

Southport are likely to be without veteran John Doolan, who suffered a recurrence of his hamstring problem in Tuesday’s 3-1 Lancashire Challenge Trophy win at Rossendale, while fellow midfielder Alan Moogan is sidelined by suspension. Vauxhall Motors travel to FA Cup heroes Droylsden, and Carl Macauley’s men will be looking for a third straight win and three consecutive clean sheets as the Motormen look to maintain their recent revival.

An impressive 1-0 home victory over high-flying Harrogate Town last weekend hoisted Vauxhall to 15th place, their highest position all season, six points clear of the relegation zone.