Michael Powell struck late to book Southport’s place in the last four of the Lancashire Junior Cup.

Powell, who performed vigilantly in the centre of defence, netted a superb 84th minute strike to separate the sides in an anaemic affair. The Sandgrounders’ youngster thundered home a loose ball after Carl Baker had rattled the crossbar with a venomous volley, to give his side their first victory of the calendar year.

The Nationwide Conference side, who again fielded an experienced line-up for a county cup challenge, could have taken the lead early on as Nick Rogan fired wide when in an inviting position and Kevin Leadbetter also failed to find the target after a strong run from Carl Baker.

Although Gavin Knight twice shot wide for the hosts and Kyle Wilson forced goalkeeper Steve Dickinson into action, a serene opening period produced limited openings and few talking points.

Robinson and Baker combined well shortly after the resumption, only for Rogan to shoot wide, while Jerome Fitzgerald fired over and Leadbetter tested goalkeeper Bishop as the Sandgrounders again began with wind in their sails.

But despite an ambitious effort from Robinson, it was Barrow who came closest to breaking the deadlock with fifteen minutes remaining. Defender Earl Davis was forced to hack off his own goal line after Kyle Wilson had rounded Dickinson following an incisive ball from substitute Michael Rushton.

And although the Nationwide North strugglers went close when fourteen-goal Gavin Knight was thwarted by Dickinson, it was their opponents who progressed thanks to a peach of a strike from Powell in the dying embers.

(Alan Jones)


Southport.gb.com Match Facts:

Southport: 1. Steve Dickinson, 2. Chris Lane, 3. Jerome Fitzgerald, 4. Earl Davis, 5. Michael Powell, 6. Dominic Morley, 7. Carl Baker (14. Shaun Foster ’90), 8. Steve Pickford, 9. Neil Robinson (15. Matty McGinn ‘73), 10. Nick Rogan, 11. Kevin Leadbetter (12. David Brooks ’90).
Unused Substitute: 16. Lee Crehan

Referee: A. Newell

Attendance: 295

* Goalkeeper Jamie Speare, winger Robbie Booth and new signing Michael Stringfellow featured for the Sandgrounders’ second string as they beat Guiseley reserves 9-1 at Haig Avenue.