Southport 1 Bradford (PA) 0
A late, late goal saw all three points come the way of Southport FC on a night that looked destined to end in frustration but in the end it was relief all round.
Southport should have been out of sight in the first period with a series of chances going begging. The best of which fell to Jack Bainbridge in added time in the first half when after great build up play involving new signing Tyler Walton who crossed the ball in, Bainbridge headed over with a clear sight on goal.
Bradford did have one very good chance in the 28th minute but it was headed well over the bar.
The second half was quite a scrappy affair but Southport always looked like they could grab a decisive goal but as 6 minutes of added time were announced it looked like a 0-0 draw was on the cards.
This is a new Southport and the never give up attitude shone through once again, Firstly Mitch Lund was sent off for scything down Dylan Vassallo when he was clean through on goal, the clearest red card you will ever see.
The free kick was diverted for a corner and a great delivery from Charlie Munro was finished off by Jordan Archer. There was debate at the time as to who had got the final touch and Connor Woods celebrated as though it was him with the traditional back flips but video evidence showed Archer was the scorer. The main thing that counted was Southport 1 Bradford (Park Avenue) 0 and that’s what mattered.
In total 9 and a half minutes of added time were played after lengthy goal celebrations and late subs but Southport saw the game out quite comfortably and it was another three points on the board.
Southport have conceded just one goal in the last seven league games, not a bad record.
Line Up: Mason, Oliver, Doyle J, Anson, Tharme, Woods (Corrigan 90+4), Munro, Archer, Walton (Buckley-Ricketts 75). Vassallo & Bainbridge
Man Of The Match: Doug Tharme
Ryan Corrigan signs for Southport FC
Liam Watson has moved to strengthen his injury hit squad with the signing of Ryan Corrigan on non-contract terms; he was released by Stoke City (U23) in the summer and has been a free agent since then.
Ryan (21) has been training with Southport for a few weeks and Liam has been impressed with what he has seen and is a good addition to the squad. He will be squad number 20.
The left-back, who joined Stoke City from Manchester City Under 18’s in January 2019 featured 17 times for Stoke Under 23’s, scoring once.
Welcome To Haig Avenue Ryan.
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