How typical that the team with a defensive record better than only two of the country’s top 114 sides should be the first to leave the Shay having failed to concede.

Considering the sheer volume of goals leaked, it may seem peculiar that Southport’s two outstanding performers to date are both members of their battered rearguard. In receiving plaudits from manager, supporters and opponents alike; goalkeeper Steve Dickinson and centre-half Earl Davis have been nothing short of exceptional – despite frequently carrying the can for those around them.

But in contention for inclusion to the Sandgrounders’ A-list is fellow defender Mark Roberts. The 22-year old loanee from Crewe Alexandra has played just four times for the Conference basement boys and is already showing why he is held in such high esteem at Gresty Road.

Complete with composure, strength, aerial capabilities and a decent understanding, Roberts today registered his finest performance since joining ‘Port last month. He must be credited with playing a significant part in nullifying the proven potent threat of Halifax duo Darren Mansaram and Lewis Killeen, thus resulting in the Sandgrounders’ first clean sheet since victory at Scarborough in September – twelve matches ago. Despite occasionally being exposed due to the fact he is a relatively raw talent, the young defender shows signs of developing a steadfast affiliation with sparring-partner Davis as the spine of Southport’s shield.

Although former manager Mike Walsh left supporters with only the remains of a sunken ship, he was responsible for first introducing Davis, then a relative novice, to the Haig Avenue faithful. And in a similar way that the former Burnley apprentice arrived in 2003, current boss Liam Watson will be hopeful Roberts becomes one of the first to enter the Sandgrounders’ professional ranks if given an opportunity to extend his loan stay in January.

Put it this way. When seasonal awards from peers and supporters were bestowed upon Neil Fitzhenry just over a year ago, no-one would have thought that such a bedrock would now be relegated to the role of substitute. Implementing gradual change seems to be the strategy adopted by Watson – let’s hope time doesn’t run out before the ‘Port boss can adequately complete his jigsaw.





This may not have been pretty, but at the moment Southport quite frankly couldn’t care less. Yes, they were largely reliant upon Messrs Roberts and Davis in stemming the tide, but to assume the visitors adopted a negative mindset this afternoon or their sole ambition was to saturate Halifax as an offensive force would be distinctly misleading. It was always going to be a struggle for the Sandgrounders to take the game to a side which has shipped just four league goals on their own pitch, but Watson’s men must be credited for displaying an admirable desire to meaningfully compete and produce periods of controlled football on the ground.

To be cynical, the only disappointment today is that there was no material gain. But to vie satisfactorily with the same opponents who cantered to victory at Haig Avenue less than a month ago is evidence of adequate progression and now comes the more difficult task of transferring a similar resoluteness into their rigorous league schedule. It had become disconcerting that teams around Southport in the Conference standings have all found ways to grind out dull draws away from home, but make no mistake – if this result can be replicated during April’s visit to the Shay when league points are at stake, it will be regarded as a significant achievement.



Lacking the zest which had instigated seven previous home wins, Halifax fielded a full-strength side despite harbouring promotion pretensions and although they currently fill the final play-off place, recorded a largely subdued performance. Danny Forrest, scorer at Haig Avenue scorer in November, twice shot wide during the opening exchanges, while goalkeeper Dickinson was down quickly to repel a fierce shot from Darren Mansaram.

Foster and Prendergast also tested the visiting ‘keeper and centre-half Roberts denied Mansaram but the Sandgrounders were repeatedly quick to counter-attack and found themselves unfortunate not to punish Town prior to the interval. An effort from Nick Rogan whistled wide of the upright after a burst of pace allowed him to accelerate past defender Quinn, before Kevin Leadbetter tested the instincts of goalkeeper Adam Legzdins with a low shot that was well turned away.

As has been the recurrent case, Southport’s troubles often stemmed from fallibilities in the full-back births and a minute into the second period, Lewis Killeen’s diving header crashed against the crossbar following a surging run from Rory Prendergast. Dickinson denied Forrest and Davis’ outstretched leg rebuffed former Sheffield United striker Killeen, but despite creating most of the opportunities, Halifax didn’t have it all their own way.

Although Southport recorded their sixth successive match without scoring, it was the visitors who were left ruing what might have been; spurning two attractive openings in the dying embers. Skipper Pickford supplied a deft ball for Kevin Leadbetter to fire over, who, four minutes before the end, came within inches of securing a memorable victory. After good approach work featuring Morley and Robinson, Rogan’s through-ball released Leadbetter, whose controlled effort grazed the left hand post with 'keeper Legzdins hapless.

Hitting rock bottom of the Nationwide Conference on Tuesday evening was undoubtedly a painful blow to everyone in the Southport camp, but an uplifting performance which had become much-needed, should go some way to restoring the mentality required to transfer their fortunes.





Southport.gb.com Match Facts:

Southport: (4-4-2) 1. Steve Dickinson, 19. Chris Lane, 6. Earl Davis, 25. Mark Roberts, 3. Jerome Fitzgerald, 2. Steve Pickford, 10. Dominic Morley, 14. Kevin Lynch (16. Michael Powell ‘78), 7. Kevin Leadbetter, 9. Nick Rogan, 11. Steve Daly (8. Neil Robinson ’78).
Unused Substitutes: 15. Jamie Speare, 4. Neil Fitzhenry, 20. Matthew McGinn.

Referee: C. Harwood

Attendance: 1,101

Southport.gb.com Southport Man of the Match: 25. Mark Roberts