MATCH PREVIEW | Bromley v Southport

After last weekend’s damaging defeat to North Ferriby United, Southport will be aiming to get back on track when they visit Bromley on Saturday.

The last two weeks have seen little for supporters to be positive about, but three points at Hayes Lane would go some way to rebuilding confidence.

The Sandgrounders may be given a boost in the shape of Jamie Allen. The forward was in sensational form before his injury on New Year’s Day, and was fit enough to be named on the bench against North Ferriby. If he is able to hit the ground running and rediscover his form in front of goal, Southport’s chances of staying in the National League will increase greatly.

At the other end of the pitch, Steve Burr is set to hand a debut to yet another defender following the signing of Euan Murray on Wednesday.

Defensive stability has been hard to come by since the termination of Callum Howe’s loan and the situation has been made even worse following Josh Thompson’s injury. Loanee Robbie Cundy and Murray are the only recognised centre halves at the club and therefore it is crucial that they are able to strike up a partnership quickly.

The home side have lost all their fixtures in 2017, exiting the Buildbase FA Trophy in addition to two league defeats. They were scheduled to face Dagenham & Redbridge last weekend but the fixture fell victim to a frozen pitch. Neither side comes into this weekend in particularly inspiring form, but it must be said that the Sandgrounders have the edge on that front.

A Southport win would not just act as a shot in the arm, therefore. It would also maintain the rut that Bromley find themselves in and drag them closer to the relegation battle.

By Christy Byrne