After last week’s Emirates FA Cup action, with a stunning equaliser setting up a replay against Tranmere, Southport are back in league action as they take on Bradford Park Avenue.

It has actually been a while since Southport played a league game, with the last being a 2-1 win over Boston United.

That result is part of an unbeaten streak that stretches back to October.

Meanwhile Bradford Park Avenue have also been soaring up the league, as they currently sit top of the division, three points ahead of Chorley but have played two games more.

Scoring has been Bradford’s strength, with 38 strikes making them the divisions joint highest goal scorers.

Contributing nine of those goals is Jake Beesley, who’s got nine so far this campaign, be influential whilst on loan from Salford.

He’s also been key to Bradford’s long unbeaten spell in the league as well, with their last defeat coming on the 13th October.

During that time that had a huge 6-0 win over Nuneaton, with five different players on the scoresheet, as well an important 1-0 victory against fellow high flyers Chorley.

Away from the league, they did endure an uncomfortable 4-0 defeat against Altrincham in the FA Trophy, with that being a rare blip.

Meeting Bradford last season could bring back some bad memories for Sandgrounders fans, with the two meetings at the Merseyrail Community Stadium finishing 4-0 and 3-0 to the Avenue in both the league and the cup.

Meanwhile the match at this weekend’s venue, Horsfall Stadium, saw Southport take victory with a 2-1 win.

Manager Mark Bower guided his team to a 7th place play-off finish, with his side being knocked out in the semi-final.

This time round the aim is automatic promotion in the league, whilst Liam Watson will still want to focus on keeping the momentum going.

This could be one of the toughest games of the season for both sides, but confidence is high around the club and the fans who travel will play their part in any success at the weekend.