PRE-SEASON | Widnes 0-3 Southport

PRE-SEASON | Widnes 0-3 Southport

There was a first win of pre-season for Southport on Friday night as they struck three times to beat Widnes at the Halton Stadium.

A goal for recent signing Bradley Bauress was added to in the second half by Liam Davies and Jason Gilchrist to earn the Sandgrounders victory against their opponents from the Evo-Stik Division One North.

The goalscorers were among seven players who completed the full game as preparations continue for the new campaign, manager Liam Watson giving his players increased time on the pitch after using the previous warm-up games at Fleetwood Town and Radcliffe to field different line-ups in each half.

Only five minutes had passed when Bauress put Southport on their way, prodding home the rebound after Gilchrist broke down the right side of the penalty area before bringing a save from goalkeeper Richie Mottram.

The Widnes goalkeeper also kept out a dipping 20-yard shot from youngster Lewis Doyle before showing his agility again to produce a reflex save from an Andy Hollins header.

Widnes, co-managed by former Southport defender Steve Akrigg, began the second half strongly with chances for Tom Croughan and Kevin Towey, but the visitors extended their lead in fine style, Davies bending in a delightful first-time strike from the edge of the area after being fed by Doyle.

And Gilchrist, the leading marksman in the Vanarama Ntional League North last season, opened his friendly account by taking the ball around the home goalkeeper with customary composure to complete a comfortable win.

Zac Corbett, a summer signing from FC United of Manchester, was forced off in the first half through injury, while a further four substitutions were made midway through the season period.

Southport’s warm-up schedule continues at Witton Albion on Tuesday before hosting Barrow, of the National League, on Saturday at 3pm.

Southport: Dan Hanford, Dean Winnard, Zac Corbett (Trialist 17, Jordan Richards 68), Lewis Doyle (Devarn Green 68), Andy Hollins, Billy Priestley, Billy Whittle (Nathan Lowe 68), Liam Davies, Jason Gilchrist, Dan Cockerline (Mike Phenix 68), Bradley Bauress.

Report by Alan Jones