Southport began the 2020/21 season with a 2-1 victory over Morpeth Town in the second qualifying round of the Emirates Cup on a damp afternoon at the Pure Stadium. Liam Watson’s side needed to work hard and come from behind, after going into the break 0-1 down. It could’ve been more but for a penalty save from Tony McMillan, making his second debut for the club. It was a debut goal for Niall Watson, who joined the club on Thursday, who got the Sandgrounders back into the game, before George Newell clinched the winner, continuing his pre-season form where he…
Author: Southport Football Club
With 45 goals, 10 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats from the pre-season programme Southport go in to the real thing next Saturday in buoyant and confident mood. Today’s game against AFC Liverpool took a while to get going but Southport very nearly fell behind on 2 minutes after a mix up at the back which saw the AFC forward shoot narrowly wide. The AFC ‘keeper then made three great saves from Newell, Carver and Trialist 1 to keep the visitors out, one of which was truly outstanding as he turned the ball on to the bar from close range.…
A first half hat-trick from Connor Woods helped Southport on their way to a 8-1 victory over Ashton Athletic at Brocstedes Park. The attacker’s three goals came in a scintillating opening 45 minutes performance for Liam Watson’s side who bagged six before the break. With five scorers in total throughout the game there was plenty to be positive about with the performance. The afternoon got off to an excellent start, as the Port claimed the lead after only 12 seconds, with Woods chasing down the Ashton defence to win the ball and open the scoring. That set the tone for…
From: https://southportfc.net/report-nelson-0-southport-3/ Another win on the road for Southport as the build up to the start of the season continues. Connor Woods got The Sandgrounders off to a great start with a goal after 6 minutes, a fine strike from the edge of the area that gave the ‘keeper no chance. Southport went on to create seven good chances to increase the lead but the resolute Nelson defence held firm and the sides went in to the break with the visitors ahead by the single goal. Some great play by Woods lead to the second goal on 56 minutes when…
From: https://southportfc.net/2020-21-fixtures-released/ The Vanarama National League North is back at the Pure Stadium on Tuesday 6 October, when Hereford visit in the first league fixture of the new season. The campaign starts with an Emirates FA Cup Second Round Qualifying tie on 3 October before hosting the Bulls three days later. Our first away league trip is to Kettering Town on Saturday 10 October. The festive double header games see a change to the norm with Curzon Ashton providing the opposition. There are an increased number of midweek games made necessary by the later start to the season which now…
From: https://southportfc.net/report-warrington-0-southport-4/ Southport came away from Warrington with a 4-0 win, a scoreline that makes the victory look a lot more comfortable than it was after another highly competitive workout for the squad. Goals from Jack Sampson, Mo Ali, Marcus Carver and George Newell gave the Sandgrounders the win in our eighth pre-season game scoring 25 goals in the process. The first goal came on 27 minutes with Sampson finishing after some neat interplay with Newell on the edge of the box created space for him to slot home. There were chances at both ends of the pitch, Trialist was…
From: https://southportfc.net/report-encouraging-display/ Southport’s pre-season winning run came to an end with 0-2 defeat against Barrow but there were again plenty of reasons for encouragement. It was a promising 90 minutes against EFL opposition for Liam Watson’s side, who had their fair share of chances throughout the game. In the end, goals from former Port defender, Matty Platt, and the 2019/20 Vanarama National League top scorer, Scott Quigley proved to be the difference as the Bluebirds returned to Cumbria with a victory. It was the visitors had the first clear opportunity of the game, as Dior Angus curled a shot just…
From: https://southportfc.net/report-goal-fest-again/ Southport came from two goals down after just ten minutes to win 6-2 against Marine. It was a shaky start for the Port with two defensive lapses gifting the home side two goals. Indeed, for the opening 25 minutes Southport struggled to get going. Liam Watson’s side gradually came back in to the game and Trialist 1 got the first of his three goals after being neatly set up by Russ Benjamin on 25 minutes and from then on the confidence flowed through the team. The free-flowing football evident in the last two games was on display to…
Southport FC have today launched a Go Fund Me page to help raise £5,000 to purchase their own hydraulic ram. The club said: “Prior to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the club had planned to purchase a hydraulic ram that lowers the floodlights in order for club staff to clean, service and replace the bulbs. “At a cost of £5,000 this was seen as a must have as the cost to hire a ram costs roughly £2,000 each time we need to get one in. The design of the pylons means that should a light trip the ram is…
Southport FC are searching for a voluntary Covid-19 medical officer, to help facilitate supporters returning to games at the Pure Stadium. This role must be in place if the club is to move from Stage 3, matches without fans, to stage 5 matches with fans. Essential Requirements are: Current GMC Registration Familiarity with current guidance around COVID 19 Good communication skills Ability to clinically assess players and staff Appropriate indemnity to cover the role Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team Expressions of interest in the role are to be sent to Christine Classon voulnteers@southportfc.net by 6pm on…
Mo Ali and Marcus Carver scored in the second half as Southport registered their first win of pre-season against Everton U23s. On a scorching hot day at Finch Farm, the Port played well throughout, with a number of players increasing their game-time and three completing the full 90 minutes. Again lining up with a system consisting of three central defenders, Southport were the first to threaten, Jack Sampson finding space behind the Everton defence but shot wide. Minutes later, Dobbin fired a shot over the Port crossbar after managing to escape into the area. In the lunchtime sun, Liam Watson’s…
Our third pre-season game takes place on Saturday 15 August with a trip to Finch Farm to take on Everton U23s, the game will kick off at 12pm. In accordance with current guidelines this match will take place behind closed doors and no spectators will be able to gain access. We have a full programme of friendly games coming up all of which, as it stands, will be played behind closed doors. Keep up to date via our website and social media. From: https://southportfc.net/friendly-everton-under-23s/
On a baking hot and muggy evening Southport drew a blank in a hard fought game against Witton Albion. Once again, Liam had a look at a number of trialists as well as giving all the signed up players some game time. We have a long pre-season and getting the players back to full fitness is the aim after the long lay off as well as working on shape and formation. It was a game of few chances, the best falling to Mo Ali in the 85th minute when he had a clear shot on goal after a half cleared…
Alan Jones spoke to Southport FC manager Liam Watson after their first pre-season friendly against Blackpool on Saturday. <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/u47yJPFbogA” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>
After a five-month absence, Southport began pre-season by welcoming SkyBet League One side Blackpool to the Pure Stadium, the visitors showing their quality with a with a four-goal win in the sunshine. The fixture saw the Port return to match action for the first time since the 7 March and the end of the Vanarama National League North following the outbreak of Covid-19. Things were tight between the two teams in the early stages of the game, as both struggled to find an early breakthrough. The first goal of the afternoon came in the 23rd minute, as Grant Ward’s powerful…
Season tickets are now on sale online and in the Club Shop during the advertised opening times. Next open Saturday 8th August 12-2pm Tickets are being sold based on a 20 match season but we still expect there to be a full 21 home matches. The original plan was that season tickets would be paid in full, given the expected short timescale between an announcement and the start date. However, with the announcement of a 3 October start date we are able to offer the option of online payment by way of two instalments split down the middle with an…
Southport FC have teamed up with Specsavers opticians for the 2020/21 Season. Specsavers are very proud to be partnering up Southport FC for the 2020/21 season by supporting them with a pitchside advertising board. Opened in 1991 (when Apollo Leisure was the shirt sponsor and our Boxing Day trips were to Morecambe!) the Southport branch of Specsavers has been looking after the eyes of Sandgrounders for almost three decades. Mark Roberts, Specsavers store partner, said: “We are really proud to be supporting Southport FC for another season. We are wishing the team all the best for the season ahead and…
Southport FC Juniors U8’s are looking for a couple of players to add to the new team. Birth dates must be between 01/09/12 and 31/08/13. Matches are in the Craven Minor League on Sundays. Contact 07932723118 if interested.
We are extremely fortunate at Southport that we have a team of volunteers who commit over 40 hours weekly with weeding and painting etc. We now need a working party on Saturday August 1st with the main tasks cleaning the seats and brushing down the terraces. The ground will be open from 10am until 3pm and refreshments will be provided including Latham’s Pies, that should be enough to get anyone there! Can anyone who wishes to volunteer contact james@southportfc.net this is so we have contact details in line with current guidelines around social distancing.
Southport Football Club are happy to announce that BioGrad Laboratories will be utilising the Pure Stadium for Covid-19 Antibody testing. This is open to anyone within the community and can be booked online www.Biograd.co.uk or calling 0151 482 9695. Testing will take place on Friday 17th July from 1200-1900.
Southport FC will be holding two Summer Soccer Camps in August on Meols Cop School fields. Places are now available to book for the weeks 3 – 7 and 10 – 14 August from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm Both camps are open to 6 – 12 year-olds and will operate within the current guidelines. There will also be a large marquee in place in case of inclement weather and for the participants to have their lunches etc. The cost is just £20 per day or £75 for the whole week. Register your interest by contacting James Tedford at secretary@southportfc.net…
A Zoom interview today with Ian & James. Ian was unavoidably delayed this morning which meant we were unable to carry out the interview at the ground but we got everybody together for a Zoom chat. Updates on furlough, fan zone, memberships, sponsorships, toilets, Everton Under 23’s, COVID testing and a change of title for James. We also have a couple of pictures of the toilet work and the latest from the pitch.
Southport Football Club is delighted to announce Techedia as the new sponsor of its community teams. Based in Sefton, Techedia specialises in everything IT related in the professional services sector, with thousands of individuals relying on their technical expertise. The three year deal ensures that the Club’s community teams ranging from our Under 8’s through to the women’s teams will all wear the old gold until the end of season 22/23. Head of Operations James Tedford said: “At the start of season 19/20 we made a commitment to support and grow the community section. This fantastic gesture from Techedia allows…
Southport Football Club are looking to open up their 1881 Lounge next weekend. A statement on the club website said: “We are hoping to open up the 1881 Lounge on Saturday 11th July and Sunday 12th between noon and 10pm if there is enough interest. The hours will be dependant on the response. “It will be open with a booking system in place for access with table service and a limited number of tables to ensure we adhere to the current social distancing guidelines. “At this stage we are only gauging whether there is enough interest to open up therefore…