Scunthorpe 1 Southport 0. Match report

A first half of few chances with Southport frustrating the home side and creating a couple of chances of our own with Niall Watson just failing to get on the end of a Josh Hmami cross and Hmami himself firing narrowly wide when well placed.

Southport also had a live shout for a penalty when it looked like Mikey O’Neill had been fouled in the box but nothing was given.

The home side had a good chance after a scramble in that ended up going well wide.

The second half started with a very good chance for Brad Holmes to put the visitors ahead but he hesitated a bit too long and the Scunthorpe defence were able to clear.

Whilst Scunthorpe were building up a head of steam they were not really troubling Chris Renshaw in the Southport goal and we looked dangerous on the break but just lacked the killer touch.

The winning goal came in the 72nd minute with Kouogun firing home from 12 yards.

Southport continued to push forward but to no avail.

A disappointing result but a performance to be proud of against the red hot favourites for the title and with a patched up side manager Jim Bentley was quite rightly pleased with the way the lads played.

Line Up: Renshaw, Thomson, Doyle, Flowers, Evans, F Heath, Morgan, Watson, Hmami, O’Neill, Holmes

Subs: Quansah, Anson, Billington, Kilcullen & McMillan

Attendance 3035 (72 Away)

Media MOTM: Harry Flowers