Seventeen-year old David Brooks scored his first senior goal as Southport eased into the second round of the Lancashire Junior Cup with victory at Nelson.

Brooks, a product of the Sandgrounders’ Caterforce-sponsored youth development scheme, wrapped up his side’s progression with a goal shortly after his eightieth-minute introduction.

The Southport-born striker is held in high esteem among the Haig Avenue coaching staff and after starring in the club’s FA Youth Cup success at Rochdale, made his Conference debut at Crawley earlier this month.

The Sandgrounders, whose side comprised of seven recognised first-teamers, also featured reserve team right-back Shaun Foster, while versatile youngster Michael Powell registered another encouraging performance in the centre of defence.


Nelson's Victoria Park

Liam Watson’s side established the lead mid-way through the first-half courtesy of a quick fire brace from Nick Rogan.

Rogan, a signing from Lancaster City last month, opened the scoring on twenty-six minutes with a fierce drive from close range.

And the former Morecambe youngster netted his third goal in a Southport shirt three minutes later with an angled shot following good approach work.


Southport's Carl Baker, Steve Daly, Steve Pickford and Chris Lane not required this evening

Nelson, currently ninety-six places below their Conference opponents, put up a brave fight and produced decent bouts of play despite lacking a threatening instinct.

After Robinson, McGinn, and Krief wasted opportunities to further the Sandgrounders’ advantage, youngster Brooks showed them how it should be done with a smart finish to add a deserved third in the dying embers.

Watson, the Southport manager, spent the entire match in conversation with former York City player-manager Chris Brass. Defender Brass, currently on loan at Harrogate Town, has been identified by the Sandgrounders’ boss as a potential transfer target, while is also reputed to be in contention for the vacant assistant manager’s job at Haig Avenue.

Southport: (4-4-2) 1. Steve Dickinson, 2. Shaun Foster, 3. Jerome Fitzgerald, 4, Farrell Kilbane, 5. Michael Powell, 6. Kevin Lynch (14. Earl Davis ’85), 7. Robbie Booth, 8. Dominic Krief, 9. Nick Rogan (17. David Brooks ’79), 10. Neil Robinson, 11. Matthew McGinn.
Unused Substitutes: 12. Aaron Cameron, 15. Dominic Morley, 16. Kevin Leadbetter.

Referee: J. Hay

Attendance: 65 – The lowest attendance Southport have ever played in front of

Southport.gb.com Southport Man of the Match: 8. Dominic Krief