SOUTHPORT increased their lead at the top of the Blue Square North to six points with a hard-fought victory at Haig Avenue last night.
A first goal of the season from Ashley Winn midway through the first half was added to by Michael Powell's tap-in nine minutes from time.
The win over lowly Redditch extends Port's winning run to five games in league and cup and hammers home their tag as the division's pace setters.
After a comfortable first 45 minutes, the Sandgrounders struggled to find their rhythm in the second half but Powell's eighth goal of the campaign settled any lingering nerves and ensured the Yellows claimed a fourth clean sheet of the term.
Port made three changes from the side who beat Workington at Borough Park with Chris Simm replacing Steve Daly up front and Earl Davis returned from suspension to take his place at the heart of the defence.
Kevin Lee moved into midfield as Alan Moogan dropped to the bench as Southport once again utilised the options available to manager Liam Watson.
Last season Redditch caused an early season upset as a game brought forward by the Sandgrounders ended in a 3-2 defeat but a repeat performance never looked likely.
SOUTHPORT: McMillan, Lever, Gray, Flynn, Davis, Lee, Winn (Booth, 69), Powell, Simm (Dal, 75), Kilheeney (Aley 75), McGinn. Subs: Barnes, Moogan.
REDDITCH: Lewis, Gill, Charlton, Clarke, Spittle, Francis, Byrne, Bridgwater (Oliver 62), Hay (Ducros 82), Dance, Sheldon (Semper 76). Subs: Dickinson, Godwill
