A spectacular strike from captain Mark Boyd earned Southport their first Nationwide Conference win of the season season.

Boyd blasted home a 35-yard blockbuster on the hour to give the Sandgrounders victory on an afternoon when they battled tenaciously.



Chris Hall, Daryl Clare and Keith Gilroy all had opportunities for Burton in the first half, before a long range effort defender John Brayford cannoned against an upright.

Paul Martin performed admirably in an improvised front-line registered several shots for the visitors, who went ahead after a strong start to the second period.

Boyd, Blakeman and Booth all recorded unsuccessful efforts, while the latter struck a post following some swift counter-punching.

Albion were limited to occasional sights at goal and although Webster, Shaw and Scoffham all tested, the visitors held out.


Booth hists the post

Full match report will be available on Wednesday afternoon.

* Match photos courtesy of Julia Urwin, www.southportfcstats.co.uk

* Southport 1 - 2 Rushden and Diamonds - Full report. Click Here


Southport: Paul Harrison, Chris Lane, Stephen Rowland, Kevin Lee, Lee Hoolickin, Michael Powell, Mark Boyd, Liam Blakeman, James Olsen, Robbie Booth (Francis Barry ’90), Paul Martin.
Unused substitutes: John Bagnall, David Owens, Dan Bromilow, Sean Clancy


























Next at Haig Avenue: Southport v Gravesend & Northfleet