Touray, Gnahoua, and Burgess Clinch Victory for Southport

Southport progress into the third qualifying round after an excellent performance sees us win 3-2 against Radcliffe.

The home side started off, as we have throughout the season, on the front foot. Chances came early on with Gnahoua and Simms seeing efforts blocked from inside the area.

Port thought they had opened the scoring in the 37th minute after Slew found the back of the net with a header but the referee blew for a foul in the build-up.

It wasn’t long for the deadlock to be broken however, after the aforementioned striker got fouled in the box, Touray was awarded a penalty which he dispatched with ease.

The lead didn’t last long however as just before the half Radcliffe equalised, a bobbling effort in the box landed to the feet of Brad Jackson who tapped in from close range.

Southport should have regained the lead just before the hour mark, a flurry of chances afforded with Simms and Slew combining on three occasions but unable to find the back of the net.

The second goal came on the 60th minute after another great move saw Port in and around the Radcliffe box, Touray turned provider to set up Gnahoua who took a touch before firing into the far corner for his fourth goal of the season.

Momentum stayed with the home side for the majority of the second half, chance after chance being created, each just lacking that clinical finish needed to put the game out of reach.

With the clock running down Port found a third goal to seal the victory, Gnahoua sent through by substitute Burgess and the striker set the ball back to the sub who took a touch past the defender and slotted home.

Radcliffe added what was merely a consolation in the final few minutes of added time after a cross into the box landed at the feet of Smith who fired home from close range.

Report By Matty Hurst.

Line Up: Renshaw, Lavelle, Moore, Tabone, Slew(Hilton 75) Touray(Burgess 75) Gnahoua, Collins, Keane(Tucker 86) Minihan, Simms (McKenzie 71)

Goalscorers: Touray pen 41, Gnahoua 60, Burgess 89

Attendance 787

Media Man Of The Match: Jordan Keane