SOUTHPORT FC gave Daryl Allen a full debut in midfield in a quick return match for the Sandgrounders having beaten Alfreton away only a couple of weeks ago. Steve Pickford was suspended for this match and Jimmy Williams is still recovering from an operation on his shoulder.

The first half proved to be a stalemate, both sides canceling each other out with precious few chances at either end. Alfreton a big powerful side, had Mark Sale a towering number 10 try a shot, but this was wide of the mark.

Leadbetter for Southport shot weakly at Butler in goal and then Lee Ashcroft headed wide from a Danny Stone free kick.

Second half was much better entertainment, Mark Sale again shooting wide and Southport continuing to press.  Steve Daly replaced Alex Mortimer to join Ashcroft in attack. The breakthrough goal came in the 56th minute, Leadbetter crossed from the left and Carl Baker was on hand to send a powerful header into the net for Southport. Chris Price then hit the post as Alfreton were forced to defend in numbers.

Lee Mulvaney replaced Ashcroft on 74 mins. who was struggling with an injury. In time added on, Daly missed a sitter, a header going agonizingly wide.

This result leaves Southport steadily climbing the table to hopefully finish the season in the top 13 places.

SOUTHPORT TEAM:- DICKINSON/ STONE/ BYRNE/ JONES/ FITZHENRY/ ALLEN/ BAKER/ PRICE/ LEADBETTER/ ASHCROFT/ MORTIMER