Southport 1-1 Leamington - Match Report

In a cagey affair, Doug Tharme’s header looked to have put Southport on their way to a first league win since February and stopped their slide down the National League North table, however a Dan Turner last minute penalty grabbed Leamington a point and both sides share the spoils.

The game started slowly, with the visiting Leamington beginning with the ascendancy. A 'Brakes' man hit a weak shot which trickled into Cameron Mason's grasp. Dan Meredith for the 'Brakes' had two efforts blocked by 'Port' skipper Adam Anson and a foul on the edge of the box by Bainbridge resulting in a Leamington free-kick and a booking for the Southport number eighteen. The resulting free-kick was well-struck, with an already busy Cameron Mason doing well to beat the authorative strike away.

A corner whipped in from a Southport set-peice was met by Jack Bainbridge, who’s shot trickled on to the line before the Leamington defence averted the danger.

Leamington had the ball in the net but the linesman flagged for offside, cutting short dubious celebrating - much to the dismay of the twenty-four travelling fans coming from the Southern end of the Midlands.

Southport calved their way back into the contest and had an opportunity through Niall Watson, who's effort seemed to be going in until it was well cleared by the Leamington man after a great cross by Dylan Vassallo. Soon after, Southport took the advantage into half-time after Doug Tharme met a header from a Port corner with the nod diverted forward nestled into Jake Weaver's net.

HT: Southport 1-0 Leamington 

The first chance of the half came fifteen minutes into the second interval and it all went Southport's way. Niall Watson rigid strike required blocking after Josh Hmani’s threatening corner. 'Port' goalscorer Doug Tharme's never ceasing threat of a long throw into the area was on show all night, one dangerous one hearled in fell at the path of Chris Doyle, who’s effort was cleared off the line by the 'Brakes'. Jack Bainbridge had a great chance at goal. Jack McGowan, making his Southport debut after signung on a duel registration from Bootle, played through Josh Hmani who crossed for Bainbridge however, the end product never showed how incisive the move was - blasting his shot high into the Jack Carr.

In the dying embers of the game. The away side won a penalty as a Southport defender was adjudged to have brought a Leamington player in the box. Dan Turner stepped up and sent Cameron Mason the wrong way to earn a point for the travelling Brakes.

In terms of Southport's chase for the play-offs, this was a massive blow for Liam Watson's men and fans of Boston, York, Kettering and all teams round that seventh spot were as relieved as were the visitors with the point, where they could have some breathing space in the relegation battle.

FT: Southport 1-1 Leamington