PREVIEW | Southport V Brackley Town

Following last Saturday’s draw Southport will be hoping to go on this better this weekend as they welcome Brackley Town to the Merseyrail Community Stadium.

After coming from two down to draw 2-2 with Bradford (Park Avenue), Liam Watson will be hoping his side can convert that battling spirit into three points.

Brackley enter Saturday’s game on the back of six straight league wins, with the last being a 2-0 victory over Hereford.

An own goal from Hickman increased Brackley’s lead after Baker had already put them ahead on the 18th minute.

During this current run of good form Kevin Wilkin’s side have scored 13 goals and only conceded two.

In fact in all of 2019 Brackley have only lost once in the league, with that coming at the hands of Chorley last month.

Aside from that they’ve won ten and drawn once since the turn of the year, leaving them sitting in third in the table.

With seven games remaining, finishing in the play-offs looks a certainty for Brackley as they aim for promotion to the Vanarama National League.

Last year Brackley reached the final, but unfortunately fell at the final hurdle as they lost to Harrogate.

As they look to go one better this time round, Brackley‘s key man has been James Armson, who is the club’s current top scorer on 13 goals.

The midfielder was on target when his side came up against the Sandgrounders back in September at St James’ Park.

It was a day to forget for Watson’s side, as Brackley secured a 2-0 victory to take the three points.

Jason Gilchrist and Andy Hollins left Southport on loan on Thursday, joining Stockport County and Colne for the rest of the season.

Several Brackley players will need to be watched to stop a similar result, with Wilkin’s side having a number of players who are able to find the back of the net.

Southport’s future looks very much in National League North next season, but will continue to fight for points until it’s a certainty and to finish as high as possible.

Brackley also look to have secured a position in the play-offs once again, but will also want a highest possible finish to give them the momentum to gain promotion.

Written by Amos Wynn