Chester 0 Southport 1. Match Report

Southport rounded off three away games in seven days with nine points, five goals and three clean sheets after a 1-0 victory sees Port move into 16th in the table.

Another resolute defensive performance was topped off with a late header by Richie Bennett ending Chesters 11 game unbeaten run, stretching all the way back to January.

The first half started with chances at both ends as a chance not taken by Port led to a counter which Doyle crucially broke down.

The home side grew into the game hitting the woodwork and slicing a golden opportunity at the back post narrowly wide before  Danny Lloyd nearly opened the scoring through a left-footed volley but his effort flashed wide of the post.

Going into the break goalless, the game looked destined to end 0-0 and as the teams came back out it was Southport with the early chances but only managing to force a couple of saves from Stanway.

Chester dialled up the pressure as the game went on with the fans in attendance cheering on their side but the compact defence once again stood equal to the chances created.

Despite the home fans best efforts it was Port who took the lead in the 74th minute when Quansah and Hmami linked up down the right with the defender crossing into Bennett, who held off his marker and placed a header past the keeper.

The final 15 minutes saw the game open up as Chester were pushing for an equaliser which saw chances at both ends, but the clock ran down and it was the boys in yellow that left with all three points.

Southport now have three league games at home to focus on with the another game coming fast as ‘Port host Blyth on Saturday 16th with a Kick Off time of 3pm.

Attendance: 1739 (100)

Line ups: Renshaw, Doyle (c), Arthur, Hockenhull, Quansah, Thomson (Anson 46′), Philliskirk, Hmami (Burgess 83′), Lloyd, Bennett, Carver (Russ 90’)

Unused subs: McMillan, Flowers

Media MOTM: Jack Doyle