A packed Haig Avenue erupted this afternoon as Southport booked their place in the FA Trophy semi-finals – and moved to within 90 minutes of a Wembley final – after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Yeovil Town.
The Sandgrounders looked set for a frustrating exit until Teddy Lavelle produced a moment of brilliance in the 88th minute, drilling home a stunning equaliser to make it 1-1 and force the tie to spot-kicks. Southport then held their nerve from 12 yards, with Danny Lloyd firing in the decisive penalty to seal victory.
Yeovil had taken an early lead after a defensive mistake gifted James Daly an opening. The forward rounded Southport goalkeeper George Pickford and calmly rolled the ball into the net.
The quarter-final was often tense and cagey, with Yeovil looking to play a more technical game while Southport battled physically and asked questions down the flanks.
One major talking point came shortly after the break, with Southport’s selection dilemma in goal – Everton loanee Pickford or club stalwart Chris Renshaw – effectively settled in the 50th minute when Pickford was forced off injured. Renshaw stepped in and had little to do in open play, but was called upon in the shootout as the match headed for its finale.
It was Teddy Lavelle who sparked the celebrations, crashing home a thunderbolt in the 88th minute to cancel out Yeovil’s lead. The Sandgrounders might even have snatched it in normal time, only for a potential winner to be ruled out for handball shortly after.
Penalties were taken at the Brick End, in front of the Jack Carr Stand, where Yeovil faltered. Aaron Jarvis pulled his kick wide, while captain Jake Wannell sent his effort soaring high into the stand. Lloyd then stepped up to clinch it for Southport and spark more scenes of jubilation.
Southport will now go into Monday’s semi-final draw alongside Southend United, Wealdstone and local rivals Marine.
It is the club’s first appearance at this stage since 1998, when Southport beat Slough Town over two legs to reach Wembley – only to lose by a single goal to Cheltenham Town. This time, they are just one win away from returning to the national stadium.