PREVIEW | Southport V Stockport County

After a winless start to the season, the Port will be hoping to turn things around as they take on Stockport at the Merseyrail Community Stadium tomorrow (Saturday 11 August).

With two defeats in the opening two games, the Sandgrounders find themselves just above the relegation zone.

On Saturday they come up against a Stockport County side who are just outside the play-off spots in the early weeks of the season, with one win and one defeat.

Whilst league position at this stage of the campaign has little significance, getting early points on the board is still vital.

The Hatters began their campaign in the best way possible, with a thumping result against FC United of Manchester.

Mulhern opened the scoring in the twelfth minute, heading in Turnbull’s corner to put manager Jim Gannon’s side ahead.

The second goal came just before the half hour mark, Turnbull assisting again with Matty Warburton tapping in this time.

The forward scored his second of the day just before half-time, placing the ball into the net from close range.

They conceded one in the second half, before Turnbull got a goal of his own, with a well-placed effort from outside the box, which extended the lead to 4-1.

The 29-year-old has certainly enjoyed an excellent start to the season, and will no doubt be a threat when he comes up against Southport on Saturday.

Kallum Mantack put the icing on the cake as he chipped The Reds keeper to make it 5-1 to send his side to top of the league on the opening day.

In contrast, their second game did not finish as successfully. They suffered a 1-0 defeat against York at Bootham Crescent, when Wes York scored a second-half goal.

The opening results to the season follow on from a mixed pre-season, where they recorded four wins, one draw and two defeats.

Highlights came against lower league opponents Stockport Town, where County put six past their local rivals.

Meanwhile they also enjoyed a successful away trip to Warrington, securing a 4-1 win.

Three of the stars of the opening day also enjoyed a great pre-season for The Hatters.

New striker Frank Mulhern popped up with four goals throughout the summer, whilst Turnbull and Warburton got two each as well.

After the departure of striker Jason Oswell in summer, who joined League Two Morecambe after getting 24 goals last season, the remaining attackers at the club will be crucial.

After serving Stockport as a player for ten years, and now in his third term as manager, Jim Gannon will be hoping to build on his sides fifth place finish last term.

Defeat to Chorley in the play-off qualifying round ended County’s promotion hopes but will prepare to go again.

When the two sides met last season, it was disaster for Southport. A 6-0 defeat away at Edgeley Park in the league and a 5-2 defeat over two legs in the FA Trophy, were days to forget for the side under Kevin Davies management.

Some pride was restored in the fixture at the Merseyrail Community Stadium where two goals from Jack Sampson helped Southport on their way to a 3-1 victory.

Liam Watson will be hoping to replicate the latter result in Saturday’s meeting, as a first win can’t come soon enough.

Whilst league position this early in the season is not a worry, Southport will be hoping to turn things around and get the points on the table as soon as possible.

Fans are being encouraged to buy onlinebefore 8pm tonight (Friday 10 August) as queues will be inevitable if people leave it late to buy from the Club Shop before going to the turnstile.

Full details can be read by clicking here.

Written by Amos Wynn