Honours even between Port and Telford
A Reiss McNally own goal and a Robbie Evans strike meant the shares were spoiled between Southport and AFC Telford United at Haig Avenue, meaning Telford go into the final game of the season with their destiny in their own hands being a point above Guiseley in the relegation battle. A point also means Southport mathematically miss out on the playoffs and will play another season in the National League North.
The game began with full velocity, and both sides endangered each others respective targets. Telford, scrapping for their National League North status, breathed the game into life. Robbie Evans' volley from afar forced a great save out of Cameron Mason before it was Southport's turn to come close. Jack Bainbridge took advantage of the never-ending threat that is Doug Tharme's long throw. Bainbridge met a flick on, which cannoned off the post and bounced out.
The hosts, who's form had greatly plummeted since February, stood resolute and limited Telford to any attacks on goals and another Tharme long throw have Southport the lead. The Port defender, recently acquired by Championship Blackpool, lashed a ball into the area which deflected off the unfortunate Reiss McNally and flashed into the corner, out of the reach of the despairing Telford 'keeper - Luke Pilling.
The lead never lasted for long though, as the relegation threatened 'Bucks' struck back. Robbie Evans caught a volley sweetly and it flashed just under Cameron Mason and in, much to the delight of the Telford contingency.
HT: Southport 1-1 AFC Telford United
Telford came out fighting knowing their fate of survival is in their own hands, dominating possession and having a few half chances, including Jason Oswell guiding a header just wide of the post and Keaton Ward scratching his head as to how he missed a golden opportunity. He was played in by Liam Nolan after hitting Southport with a devestating break following a 'Port' attack. Ward was once again in the right position to put Telford in-front and after being played through - he frustratingly, for Telford fans, couldn't keep his effort down.
Southport ended as the stronger side, with the backing of the boisterous Jack Carr urging them on. Niall Watson's attempt to lob Luke Pilling, off his line, was unsuccessful and a weak Jack Bainbridge strike was bread and butter for Pilling.
Telford had time to win it late on, but couldn't convert as for them, they had to get a result against York or hope results elsewhere went in their favour to retain their National League North status. On the other hand, the dream of promotion for Southport mathematically came crashing down. A position in the play-offs looked routine in February, but a blip saw them slip out of the play-offs, much to the dismay of the crowd - with a chorus of boos followed at the full-time whistle.
FT: Southport 1-1 AFC Telford United
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