Darlington 0 Southport 0

In a game were the conditions were always going to be the winner Southport return to Lancashire with a hard earned point.

It was bitterly cold with at times a gale force North Easterly wind making playing football hard.

Charlie Oliver making his 100th start in all competitions and playing just in front of the back line was outstanding but it would be unfair to single any one player out as this was a good team performance that may not have been pretty but once again showed we have a group of lads that are prepared to work hard.

Chances were few and far between for the visitors, Chris Doyle went close late in the first half with a header that flashed just wide and Jordan Archer just failed to lob the keeper in the opening period.

Playing into the wind in the second half it was always going to be difficult and at times it was backs to the wall but the defence held firm with Tony McMillan once again having a great game keeping a side who could have gone top with a win (if King’s Lynn had lost) at bay.

Darlington had the chances to win it and hearts were in our mouths late in added time as a goal looked certain but McMillan made a fine save.

At the other end Archer looked as though he was going to grab a winner with only the keeper to beat but his shot lacked any real power. Tyler Walton also had a decent chance but it flashed just wide of the post.

All in all a satisfactory night and a massive thank you to the 30 or so travelling fans that made the trip up.

With Banbury winning their FA Trophy tie it will mean the game scheduled for February 11th will need to be rearranged and the possibility of a blank Saturday unless an another fixture can be arranged for that day.

Line Up: McMillan, Oliver. J Doyle, C Doyle, Anson, Woods (Watson 84), Archer, Quansah, Hmami(Munro 67), Bainbridge, Carberry (Walton 71)

Unused Subs:  Miles & Heath.

Attendance 1218

Media MOTM It’s one of those when the whole team derserve it for the work they put in but for his 100th start it goes to Charlie Oliver.