Southport recorded their first win in seven league games with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Hereford to move up to thirteenth place in the Vanarama National North table.



With a bitterly cold wind blowing, the first half was not the greatest spectacle for the spectators with chances few and far between and the 0-0 half-time scoreline was an accurate reflection of the first 45 minutes.
The second half was much improved and it was Hereford who had two good chances in a matter of minutes at the start of the half that set the tone for the improvement.


This seemed to spark Southport into life and with Devarn Green dangerous on the right wing he was causing problems for the solid Hereford defence. It was Green who was fouled for the free kick that lead to the games only goal in the 58th minute. Brad Bauress floated a great cross in and Matty Platt was there to finish it off with his knee. As Matty reflected after the game, “it doesn’t matter how you score them as long as they go in” It was Matty Platt’s first goal for Southport and was well deserved after some impressive displays whilst with the club on loan.


The game was more open now and chances came at both ends but Southport’s excellent defence was dealing effectively with the Hereford attacks.


David Morgan and Dion Charles had good efforts for The Sandgrounders before Hereford had a lifeline thrown to them in the 81st minute when a penalty was awarded after a trip in the box.


Tommy O’Sullivan stepped up to the spot kick and blasted the ball well over the bar much to the relief of the home fans.


Southport withstood some late Hereford pressure but were in control of the game and saw the game out relatively comfortably to record the victory.


Only the top four have a better goals against record in the league than Southport as they recorded their tenth clean sheet of the season.


Line Up : Hanford, Platt, Ogle, Edwards, Astles, Parry, Green, Morgan, Archer, Sampson & Bauress


Sub: Charles for Archer 67


Unused Subs: Richards, Homson-Smith, Lacey & Tibbetts
County Insurance Man Of The Match : Ryan Astles
Attendance 1002
Report By Rob Urwin
Next Match: Away at Curzon Ashton Good Friday April 19th Kick Off 3pm.
Next Match at The Merseyrail Community Stadium: Kidderminster Harriers, Easter Monday April 22nd Kick Off 3pm, our final home game of the season.