Southport 0 South Shields 0. First clean sheet of the season

A close game at Haig Ave ends goalless as Renshaw saves a penalty.

Early shots on goal were afforded with saves made by both sides but the best chances fell to Southport.

Just after the 20 minute mark Southport made two good chances down either flank with Jordan Slew unable to find the target.

Then a great save by Jasoer Sheik, after a misplaced header by a South Shields defender, Arthur Gnahoua was through on goal before the keeper made a remarkable save to keep the gave level.

The visitors grew into the game and managed to win a contentious penalty. Going into the game as one of the leagues top scorers Paul Blacketts eyes lit up from twelve yards but Southport’s Chris Renshaw made a comfortable save down to his right hand side.

A first half littered with yellow cards ended with the scoreline level.

Blackett had a couple of chances at the start of the second half but an excellent save by Renshaw and a well timed tip over the bar denied the striker.

Another chance this time for Cedwyn Scott, after rounding the keeper the striker shots was blocked off the line.

The result sees Southport pick up their first clean sheet of the season and lifts them from the foot of the table

Line-ups:

Southport (4-2-3-1) : Renshaw, Minihan, Moore, Arthur, Collins, Keane(Tabone 90′), Lavelle, Slew (Burgess 60′), Touray (Hilton 65′), Lloyd (Simms 78′) Gnahoua

Unused subs: McKenzie, Sandison, Murphy-Worrell

South Shields (4-4-2) : Sheik, Sykes (Bainbridge 47′), Morse, Blackett, Jenkins (McGurk 82′), Mann, Scott, Kelly, Savage (Walsh 71′), Dodds, Keegan-Carson (Alcock 71′)

Unused subs: Tinkler, Smith, Briggs

Attendance: 1417

Star-man: Chris Renshaw

Sponsors MOTM : Tom Moore

Referee: Scott Henry

Report by Matty Hurst for The Non League Paper: