SOUTHPORT required extra-time to see off Holker Old Boys and avoid a cup shock last night.
A humiliating Lancashire Co-operative Challenge Trophy second round exit was on the cards as Dave Swarbrick gave the visitors an early second half lead at Haig Avenue. But, a late equaliser from Bradley Barnes and then Chris Simm’s header three minutes into the additional 30 broke the resistance of the Vodkat First Division side.
Liam Watson’s men then sealed the game, and moved a step closer to a final showpiece at the Reebok Stadium, two minutes from the end when Simm claimed his second when he finished neatly from the angle.
SOUTHPORT: McMillan, Lee, Lever (Grisedale 46), Marsh-Evans, Davis, Barnes, Booth, Winn, Bathurst (Gates 46), Simm, Aley. Subs: Grisedale, Smart, Gates, Baddeley, Mulby.
Meanwhile, Marine’s Lancashire Co-op Trophy game at home to Daisy Hill was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch and the Burscough’s trip to Radcliffe Borough also fell foul of the rain.
