EVERTON Reserves survived a tricky encounter with Southport who were left to rue a number of missed opportunities on Saturday afternoon.

Everton winger Nathan Craig stole in at the back post to convert Lukas Jutkiewicz's deflected cross to bag the only goal of the game midway through the opening half.

It would prove one of few efforts Everton would have on the Southport goal in a low-key pre-season friendly at Haig Avenue.

However Blue Square North outfit Port created sufficient openings to have at least earned a draw but were unable to convert a number of decent chances in either half.

Although Andy Holden's Everton started the game brightly, it was Southport who carved out the early chances, Steve Daly and then Zak Aley both denied by keeper Iain Turner.

Despite Craig opening the scoring against the run of play, the Sandgrounders continued to press Everton and striker Chris Simm hesitated when one on one with Turner, allowing the keeper to smother his shot, before firing without conviction when played in over the top.

The second half was subdued as the pace of the game slowed.

Craig's volley just whistled past the post in Everton's best attempt after the break while Simm would go agonisingly close for Southport, his effort striking an upright.

SOUTHPORT: McMillan, Moore (McGinn 46), Lever, Flynn (c) (Marsh-Evans 46), Gray, Barnes, Booth (Barratt 46), Winn, Daly (Ellison 65), Simm (Kilheeney 68), Aley.

EVERTON: Turner, Thompson (Mustafi 55), Garbutt, Peterlin ((Lawrie 60), McGarten, Duffy, Forshaw, Akpan, Jutkiewicz, Agard, Craig (Codling 83).