PREVIEW | Southport V FC United of Manchester

Southport return home to the Merseyrail Community Stadium on Saturday to host FC United of Manchester.

First-half goals from Jordan Richards and Dion Charles put the Port in front at promotion-chasing Stockport County on Tuesday night, but the home side showed their strength by coming from behind to take all three points.

That result moved County level on points with table toppers Chorley, but still sitting in second on goal difference.

Southport’s next challenge comes from the opposite end of the league, instead of taking on second from top; they play FC United, who are second from bottom.

The Port will be looking to build on their last two home games, a 5-3 win against Chorley and victory over Tranmere in the Liverpool CFA Senior Cup.

FC United currently find themselves in a relegation battle, sitting sit eight points from safety with six wins to their name this season.

Neil Reynolds’ side did get an excellent win last month, beating Bradford (Park Avenue) 3-2, but apart from that things have been difficult so far in 2019, with six defeats in eight games.

A 4-0 loss against Chorley on New Year’s Day got things off to a disappointing start and the team have 14 more goals since.

The Red Rebels have struggled to keep the goals out this campaign and Liam Watson’s side will no doubt be keen to take advantage.

United do have an attacking threat of their own, in the form of Kurt Willoughby, who has scored 13 times in the league.

When these two sides met earlier in the season, FC United had just lost manager Tom Greaves, with Dave Chadwick being in charge of the club on a short-term basis.

That game finished 1-1 at Broadhurst Park and Southport will be looking to show the improvements they have made since then.

Written by Amos Wynn