Manager Andy Bishop says he expects to have up to three new players at his disposal by the time Southport host Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.



Bishop has seen his team win one and lose four of their opening five matches of the Vanarama National League season as the Sandgrounders have struggled during what was always going to be a difficult first month.

A 4-0 defeat against Lincoln City at the weekend was Southport’s most disappointing result of the campaign so far and Bishop knows it is imperative that his team respond in the right fashion.

Tranmere will arrive at the Merseyrail Community Stadium boasting a 100 per cent record, underlining their promotion credentials with a flying start to the season.

“I spoke to the chairman last week and we’ll be looking to bring in two or three players to strengthen us,” Bishop said.

“We’ll be bringing in a centre forward, who is big, strong and will score goals. We’re looking at a leader at the back and another in midfield with experience in this league.

“The forward has trained with us and we need him because we do lack that height and pace up front.”

On the defeat at Lincoln, Bishop added: “We set the team up to try to be more solid. We were in the game all through the first and second half but we were made to pay for our errors.

“We can’t prepare or organise the team any more than we have done. It’s down to individual errors and some of the players have got to take a good look at themselves.”

Southport have conceded 14 goals and scored just three so far this season.

By contrast, Tranmere, who have strengthened in the summer after narrowly missing out on the paly-offs last season, are the division’s early pace-setters.

The Wirral club have already sold the majority of their near-2,000 allocation of tickets for the match.

The match remains pay on the gate for Southport fans but those wanting to sit in the Blowick side of the Grandstand will need tickets, which are available from the club on weekdays from 10am until 2pm.

On Bank Holiday Monday, Southport travel to Forest Green Rovers.

The Trust in Yellow coach will definitely be running. It departs the Merseyrail Community Stadium at 9.30am. Seats are available for £22 members, £19 under 16s and £27 non-members.

source www.southportfc.net