Historic FA Trophy Semi Final Spot For Southport After Thrilling Shootout

Lavelle’s Crowning Moment Sends Southport to FA Trophy Semi Final

Report With thanks to Dan Hayes Southport Central

Southport are through to the FA Trophy semi finals for the first time in 28 years after a dramatic penalty shoot out victory over National League side Yeovil Town at Haig Avenue.

Whilst their Full Time opponents had plenty of skill, Neil Danns’ side were rarely troubled by opponents from the league above and were unfortunate to find themselves behind three minutes before the break. A mistake from Luke Burgess, again deputising at left back amid the injury crisis that has afflicted the Sandgrounders in recent weeks, allowed the visitors to capitalise and take the lead.

It was harsh on Southport, who had been far from outplayed and could feel aggrieved to go into the interval trailing. They emerged for the second period with clear determination to put things right.

There was further disruption early in the half. George Pickford, who had only rejoined the club earlier in the week on loan from Everton, had started in goal but was forced off less than five minutes after the restart after injuring his hand in a challenge. Chris Renshaw, fresh from an impressive display at Radcliffe on Tuesday night, was called into action from the bench.

Backed by a bumper crowd of 3,696, Southport began to build sustained pressure. Having defended the Blowick end in the first half, dealing admirably with the with low sun the home side now pushed forward with increasing intent.

Chris Sze came close on several occasions as Southport piled on the pressure. On 56 minutes he forced Yeovil goalkeeper Jed Ward into a sharp save with a fierce half volley. Minutes earlier Sonny Hilton had picked out the striker, who lifted his effort narrowly over the bar.

Sze was again involved on 62 minutes when he latched onto a long ball from Jordan Keane, rounded Ward, only to see his goalbound effort blocked by a recovering defender and turned behind for a corner.With fifteen minutes remaining, Danns rang the changes. Arthur Gnahoua replaced Malakai McKenzie, Danny Lloyd came on for Sonny Hilton, and shortly afterwards Sam Minihan made his long awaited return from injury, replacing stand in full back Josh Miles.The pressure continued to build. Gnahoua produced a typically powerful run before forcing Ward into a save he could only parry. The rebound fell to Sze, but he could not keep his effort down. It felt like a moment that might prove decisive.

Then everything changed.

Another Southport attack forced a scrambled Yeovil clearance which dropped invitingly on the edge of the penalty area. Ted Lavelle stepped forward and, with two minutes of normal time remaining, smashed a magnificent strike into the top corner.Lavelle does not deal in tap ins. Just give him goal of the season now.

Photos © Cameron Hayes

The Haig Avenue crowd erupted as more than three thousand Sandgrounders celebrated wildly. After years of frustration, it felt like one of those moments supporters had waited a long time to experience.

Seven minutes of stoppage time were signalled and Southport continued to push forward. Deep into added time the ball found the net again, sparking another huge celebration, but the referee had already blown for handball. Replays later confirmed the decision was correct.

When the final whistle sounded the tie would be decided by penalties.

Chris Sze stepped up first for Southport and made no mistake. Brett McGavin responded for Yeovil to level matters.

Jordan Slew converted confidently for the hosts before Aaron Jarvis dragged Yeovil’s second penalty wide to give Southport the advantage.

Luke Griffiths then added Southport’s third, and the pressure told on Yeovil skipper Jake Wannell, who fired his effort high over the bar.

Lavelle, the goalscoring hero, had the chance to seal the victory but saw his penalty saved. Harvey Greenslade kept Yeovil alive with their second successful spot kick.

Up stepped Danny Lloyd.

If there is anyone you would want taking a penalty under pressure, it is Lloyd. Cool as you like, he made no mistake.

The ball hit the net and Haig Avenue erupted once again as supporters streamed onto the pitch to celebrate a famous day.

Southport are now just one game away from Wembley.