SOUTHPORT ensured they kept pace with league leaders in the Blue Square North with victory over AFC Telford United.

Goals in the second half from Matty McGinn and substitute Chris Simm gave the Sandgrounders a 3-0 win.

Visitors Telford made the brighter start in the first half and should have taken a 25th-minute lead when they won a penalty.

However Telford striker Andy Brown’s spot-kick was palmed away by McMillan.

In the second half McGinn fired in a low free-kick in the 49th minute before doubling his tally and Southport’s lead with 12 minutes remaining from close range.

Simm nodded in the Yellows’ third in injury-time from Rob Marsh-Evans’ cross.

BOOTLE’S FA Vase dream came to an end on Saturday when they were beaten by Norton and Stockton Ancients, going down 4-2.

Andy Fowler had given Bootle an 11th-minute lead but strikes from Wharton, Mulligan, Dumwell and Andrews gave the hosts a 4-1 advantage with over 20 minutes to go.

In the Vodkat League Challenge Cup third round, St Helens Town smashed five goals past Norton United to progress to the next stage.

The 5-2 win, thanks to goals from Scully (15), Fargher (41), Hanley (73) and own goal (80) and Burns (85), sets up a quarter-final clash at home to Wigan Robin Park.Elsewhere in round three Glossop North End and AFC Liverpool could not be separated after extra-time, with the game finishing 0-0.

A debut goal from Thomas Moore could not prevent Marine from losing 2-1 at home to league leaders Retford United.

In the First Division North, Skelmersdale United picked up a point in their promotion clash with Curzon Ashton.Liam Loughlin had given Tommy Lawson’s men a 74th-minute advantage but could only hold onto their lead for four minutes as Dean Canning equalised.