Southport will be hoping to bounce back with victory over AFC Telford United after suffering their first defeat of the season at the weekend.




The 2-0 loss to Darlington brought to an end a four-game unbeaten run for Liam Watson’s side.


Prior to that game the Port had not conceded a goal this season and will hope to return to that form against AFC Telford United at the Pure Stadium.


Meanwhile the Bucks have not kicked off the new campaign in the greatest form, losing three of their opening five games.


Two of those losses have come against newly-promoted opposition, a 2-1 defeat to Kettering Town on the opening day and a 3-1 defeat to King’s Lynn Town more recently.


Their only victory of the season came against Kidderminster Harriers in their first home game, winning 2-0.


They earned a further point the week after, drawing 0-0 against Gateshead.


Gavin Cowan will certainly need his players to step this season, especially after the loss of Daniel Udoh in the summer.


The striker, who scored 17 goals last season, moved to Shrewsbury Town in the summer following an impressive year.


So far, Telford’s four goals this season have come from different scorers, as they still search for that target man.


Southport kicked off last season with a trip to New Bucks Head, resulting in a 1-0 defeat and the start of a poor run.


The fortunes of Watson’s side did not improve for their second meeting in January, with the Lillywhites coming away with the Pure Stadium with a 4-0 victory.


The Port will be hoping that it will not be a similar result this time, and that they will be able to get back on to winning ways.


Written by Amos Wynn