Trialist Ben Jago scored a late equaliser to earn Southport a draw against Sky Bet League One side Bury.



Jago, a 19-year-old midfielder who has progressed through the youth set-up at Tranmere Rovers, found the target 11 minutes from time, sliding home the rebound after Louis Almond had curled a free-kick against the inside of a post.

In a match of few clear chances, Bury had taken the lead nine minutes earlier, Hallam Hope scoring with an excellent swerving strike from 16 yards which arched past the dive of goalkeeper Tyrell Belford.

It was the visitors who had created the majority of the chances until that point, Belford denying Craig Jonesw ith his feet after a good move involving Tom Pope.

And Belford, the goalkeeper on a season-long loan from Swindon Town, also saved low from Nicky Clark, while Hope shot wide after bringing the ball down smartly.

Belford also saved an overhead kick from Niall Maher, who showed good improvisation from an Andy Tutt corner.

Southport captain Gary Jones sent a free-kick over the crossbar and the home team had Jago to thank for earning a draw, two minutes after his introduction as a substitute.

Southport host League One opposition again on Tuesday night, when Fleetwood Town visit the Merseyrail Community Stadium , kick-off 7.45pm.


Southport: Tyrell Belford, Ross White, Neil Ashton, Liam Nolan (Ben Jago 76), Josh Thompson, Keil O’Brien, Jamie Allen (Connor McCarthy 74), Joe Kearns (Ashley Grimes 46), James Gray (John Cofie 67), Louis Almond, Gary Jones.
Subs not used: Ryan Crump, Michael Carberry.

Attendance: 565