SOUTHPORT issued a message of intent to the rest of the Blue Square North with victory at AFC Telford United on Saturday.

The Sandgrounders mounted a highly-classy first-half performance to take a two goal lead, first through Chris Simm's neat finish on 19 minutes and Ciaran Kilheeney's penalty on 23, his 12th goal in all competitions this season.

Port could have taken a greater lead into the break but Ryan Young denied Simm and Powell with good saves.

The Telford keeper thwarted the Yellows from putting the gloss on a fine display when he clawed away Kilheeney's second penalty of the afternoon.

Liam Watson's men remain second in the division but have rejoined leaders Droylsden on 25 points, with a game in hand.

Port are next in action on Saturday when they visit Gateshead in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round

SKELMERSDALE UNITED stormed through to the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy with a 5-0 victory over Goole AFC.

Goals from Martin Crowder, Ryan McMahon, Mark Houghton, captain Michael White and Stephen Burke, gave Skem a resounding victory.

MARINE went down 1-0 to King's Lynn at the Arriva Stadium to miss out on the £2,300 prize money on offer for first qualifying round winners.

Carl Palmer's 59th minute strike proved enough for the Norfolk side to progress at the expense of the Mariners.

CAMMELL LAIRD found life tough at home to Guiseley, losing 3-0 on Saturday.

Two goals in as many minutes in his FA Trophy clash dealt a hammer blow to the Kirklands outfit as Liam Needham and Harpal Singh bagged goals before half-time. Steve Burton rounded off the scoring for the West Yorkshire outfit on 82 minutes.