PRE-SEASON | Southport 3-1 Bury

As the final game before the start of the new season, Southport could hardly have asked for more.

Mike Phenix scored twice before supplying another as the Sandgrounders rounded off an impressive pre-season schedule with arguably their best result, registering a conclusive win against EFL opposition in Bury.

From their six public friendlies played this summer, Liam Watson’s team have registered four wins and they appear to be in prime condition ahead their season opener at AFC Telford United next Saturday.

Dion Charles runs at the Bury defence and Mike Phenix adds his second goal (above)

Some of Southport’s football during their warm-up games has been excellent and again their performance here was hugely impressive, controlling the play for large parts and creating numerous chances.

Seemingly one of the main strengths of Watson’s squad is the competition for places and, with five changes from the starting line-up that drew with Accrington Stanley in midweek but no drop in the level of the performance, it again served to highlight the choices at the manager’s disposal.

Having rounded off pre-season with three fine showings against opposition from higher divisions, the Sandgrounders will surely go into the new campaign full of confidence.

Phenix got the ball rolling on 21 minutes, sending a low angled finish under the dive of goalkeeper Joe Murphy from inside the area having been released by Devarn Green.

And Phenix soon added his second in style, seizing on a slip from defender Will Aimson before lofting the ball delicately over the retreating Murphy.

Jack Sampson and Mike Phenix celebrate after combining for Southport’s third

Bradley Bauress had earlier headed wide from Dion Charles’ left-wing cross as the home team began on the front foot, while Jordan Richards drew a parrying save from goalkeeper Murphy with a drilled shot later in the half.

Bury, from Sky Bet League Two, reduced the arrears in stoppage time with a brilliant strike from Nicky Adams, who executed a dipping shot from the left side of the Southport area.

The visitors started the second half well but Southport defended well and they regained their stride before proceeding to dominate again.

Green pulled the trigger after smartly working his way towards the edge of the area but was denied by substitute goalkeeper Matthew Hudson.

Phenix then turned creator with ten minutes to play as he hung up a cross from the left into the centre of the area, allowing Jack Sampson to cleverly direct a header into the goal.

Southport: Dan Hanford, Jordan Richards, Billy Priestley, David Morgan (Nathan Lowe 60), Ryan Astles (Stefan Mueller 46), Josh Langley (Dean Winnard 46), Bradley Bauress, Elliot Osborne (David Lynch 46), Mike Phenix, Devarn Green (Jack Sampson 60), Dion Charles.

Attendance: 662

Report by Alan Jones

Photos by Lewis Storey