Three games into the new season and Southport find themselves still looking for their first points of the campaign. They will be hoping to change that heading into Tuesday’s match against table-toppers Chorley.

Liam Watson will be looking for his lads to improve on their previous results, with the last being a 1-0 defeat to Stockport County.

Connor Dimaio’s late goal denied the ten-men of Southport what would have been a hard-fought draw.

Out of the Blocks
Meanwhile for opponents Chorley, they have enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign.

They are the only team in the league to enjoy a 100% record and will prove tough opponents to whoever they come up against.

The Magpies kicked off the season with a 1-0 victory over York, with a first half goal from former Southport defender, Adam Blakeman, being the difference.

They headed on the road for their next two games, with trips to Guiseley and Nuneaton.

Goals from Alex Newby and a second of the season for Blakeman sealed a 2-0 win on their visit to Nethermoor Park.

Following on from that victory, a single goal just before half time, from ex-Accrington striker Marcus Caver, made it three wins out of three for Jamie Vermiglio side against Nuneaton.

New Magpie Manager
The former Chorley player and coach stepped into the role this summer after the shock departure of Matt Janson, making promotion his target.

The Magpies came close to promotion last season, finishing in sixth place and getting to the play-off semi-finals, where they lost to eventual play-off winners Harrogate Town.

Pre-Season
Vermiglio had a perfect start to life as manager. His side recorded a 5-0 win over Euxton Villa, with new signing Louis Almond getting on the score sheet twice, whilst fellow free signing Meppen-Walter also heading one in.

That would be a rare high to pre-season, with a flourish of defeats against Blackburn Rovers U23s, Trafford, Morecambe and Tranmere all following.

The game against a full-strength Morecambe side in particular, certainly gave the manager something to think about.

They rounded off pre-season with a draw against Marine and a defeat against Fleetwood.

With one win, one draw and five defeats, Chorley endured a contrasting pre-season to the Port, whilst the two have endured contrasting starts to the season for different reasons.

Recap
The first meeting between the two last year came on Boxing Day and finished goalless at Victory Park.

The week after though the two met again, with this match providing more action.

Despite Chorley having chances of their own, it was the Sandgrounders who got all three points.

Goals from Morgan, Sheron and Sampson in front of a home crowd secured a 3-0 victory over the Lancashire side.

The winter had been tough and a 121 day wait since Kevin Davies side had last won before that meeting; now it is Watson who will be keen for his side to get a win and kick-start the season.

It may be only three games without a win, and not over three months, but none the less it will be just as vital for the club to get a positive result.

Chorley are yet to concede, as well as drop points so far this league campaign, but Southport showed good form and effort in pre-season and at the weekend so it’s time to ‘Pack the Park’ with Old Gold. The fixture takes place on Tuesday 14 August (7:45pm KO).

Ticketing & Travel
The admission for the game at Victory Park (PR7 3DU) is as follows:

Adults – £12
Over 60s – £9
Students – £7 (Valid card)
12-16 – £5
U12s – Free with accompanied adult.
To book your place on the official supporters coach that leaves the Merseyrail Community Stadium at 6pm, click here for details.

The match-day programme is priced at £2.50.

Written by Amos Wynn