“A Massive Three Points”
Jack Sampson and David Morgan struck in either half to earn Southport maximum points at Ashton United.
The win extends the Port’s unbeaten run to six games in the Vanarama National League North, ensuring they picked up an important result after their recent cup exploits.
Liam Watson’s team were made to work for the win, as Ashton applied good pressure after pulling a goal back with 15 minutes to go.
“It was a massive three points,” said Watson.
“We got the win but it was an extremely difficult win and it could have gone either way.
“You look at the conditions and the pitch and we just had to get the points which we did. We got off to a dream start.
“We had lots of the ball in the final third in area where we needed to put the right ball in. We had a goal disallowed which shouldn’t have been but we got the job done.
“You’ve got to give Ashton and their manager credit because they kept working. They were throwing everything at us until the end and that’s why it’s a huge three points.”
Sampson gave Southport the lead after two minutes, seizing on a defensive slip before steering a low finish past goalkeeper Luke Pilling.
The visitors had chances to extend their lead but Ashton finished the half strongly, Liam Tomsett being denied by goalkeeper Dan Hanford before Matty Chadwick shot over.
Southport thought they had increased their lead when Dean Winnard turned home the loose ball after an initial effort from Dion Charles but he was flagged off-side.
The visitors did get a second when Morgan planted a shot into the bottom left-hand corner from 20 yards.
Yet Ashton quickly pulled a goal back, Jordan Richards turning the ball into his own goal after a curling effort from Matty Chadwick, meaning Southport had to withstand a nervous finish to claim the win.
Match report and post-match reaction to follow.
OTS News on Social Media