SOUTHPORT’S lead at the top of the Blue Square North was reduced to four points after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Ilkeston Town.

Port required a Robbie Booth goal, his second of the campaign for the Sandgrounders, on the hour mark to level matters and maintain their undefeated streak to six matches in all competitions.

Dan Holmes had given the visitors from Derbyshire a 41st minute lead.

In the UniBond Premier Division, Marine suffered a second consecutive league defeat, this time at the hands of high-flying Boston United.

The Mariners went behind to The Pilgrims in the 26th minute after Spencer Weir-Daley fired home but equalised seven minutes later through Liam Rushton.

However, Mikel Suarez hit the winner 20 minutes from time.

Skelmersdale United battled to a 2-2 draw with FC Halifax Town in front of over 900 fans on Saturday.

With only goals scored separating the sides in the UniBond First Division North standings before kick-off, it came as little surprise Skem and Town could not be prised apart over the weekend.

Steve Payne gave the visitors a 35th minute lead from the penalty spot only for United to rally and bag two goals in as many minutes.

First Ryan Wade (42) and Kyle Armstrong a minute later gave Tommy Lawson’s men a half-time lead.

However Skem were unable to hold onto their advantage when James Dean equalised in the 75th minute.

Prescot Cables’ resistance against Leigh Genesis eventually gave way with 15 minutes remaining at Valerie Park.

Jamie Baguley netted the first of Genesis’ four goals on 75 before strikes from Thomas Ince (81), Jordan Stepien (84) and Dale Whitham with a minute to go compounded Cables’ misery.