Southport 2 Rushall Olympic 0. Match Report
Danny Lloyd and Marcus Carver were on target as Southport registered back-to-back home wins in the space of four days.
Fresh from his double in the dramatic win over Scunthorpe, Lloyd made another crucial contribution, striking late in the first half to put Jim Bentley’s on course for maximum points.
For long periods, that looked like being the crucial moment, until Carver made sure of the victory with a neat finish in added time.
As a contest, it might have lacked the entertainment value of Saturday, but Port were good value for the win which lifts them up to sixth position in the National League North table.
Buoyed by their victory at the weekend, Southport were in control for the first half and deservedly took a lead into half-time.
On the back of his starring role on Saturday, Lloyd was one again on the scoresheet nine minutes before the break but this time from significantly closer range.
Jack Doyle’s long throw-in from the left found its way through the penalty area and towards the far post, where Lloyd made the decisive touch from a matter of yards.
It was no more than Bentley’s side deserved after applying periods of heavy pressure during the opening half.
Port’s first effort came inside the first minute through Lloyd, who brought a flying save from Paul White, whilst Festus Arthur later fired over.
Lloyd was again involved, this time with neat approach work to release Carver into an inviting area, though the striker could only succeed in winning a corner.
Ten minutes before taking the lead, Bentley’s side were responsible for a period of sustained pressure in which both Lloyd and Sonny Hilton saw shots blocked.
Indeed, when Doyle sent an angled effort flying past the far post after clever work from Luke Burgess, it was clear that Port were getting closer and Lloyd duly obliged.
The one blemish on a productive first half was the enforced withdrawal of the lively Burgess, although his replacement, David Morgan, did go close with a header.
Although clear chances were not easy to come by, Southport’s control on the territory continued into the second period.
Lloyd continued to remain involved and after tireless work on the flanks, he registered an effort from a central area, his drilled shot held by White.
Tom Moore shot into the side-netting after a high ball towards the far post by Hilton.
There was a moment of panic for Port as Jaden Charles’ fierce, low effort was deflected wide after receiving a short free-kick but Carver set the seal on the victory in added time with a neat finish over White.
Southport: Renshaw, Doyle, Knight-Percival, Lloyd (Heath 86), Carver (Stafford 90), Moore, Hilton (Angus 79), Burgess (Morgan 43), Minihan, Philliskirk, Arthur.
Subs not used: De Oliveira Gomes.
Rushall Olympic: White, McDonald (Green 80), Fairnie, Cameron, Rees (Charles 56), McAlinden, Arlott-John (King 56), McGlinchey, Martin (Mantom 62), Pennant, Benbow (McDonagh 67).
Referee: Alex Beckett
Attendance: 1,068
The Southport Brewery Man Of The Match also receiving The Adam Le Roi Trophy was Festus Arthur
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