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WOKING 1 SOUTHPORT 0 AFTER EXTRA TIME
Report From Alan Jones
Southport.gb.com
Having succumbed to late headers on each of
their two visits, Southport will be deeply grateful that, barring the quirks of
the FA Trophy, this will be the last time they are forced to endure a trip to
Kingfield during the present campaign.
While a stoppage time winner from Justin Richards in their Nationwide Conference
visit during September seemed undoubtedly foreseeable, Steve Ferguson’s goal six
minutes from the prospect of a penalty shoot-out was cruel.
With 234 minutes since they last found the back of the net, the Sandgrounders
probably thought they’d done enough to have earned the opportunity to rectify
their misfiring fortunes during a spot-kick lottery. Liam Watson’s side
certainly competed, battled and contested the match in a manner to have
warranted the right to take this tie all the way, but the mere fact that they
didn’t is the reason why the days of Conference trips for a certain number of
this team are surely limited.
The Southport manager has promised a substantial refurbishment once January’s
transfer window swings open and while the weekend defeat at Crawley Town was one
of the few occasions on which the Sandgrounders’ desire has been questioned,
their lack of proficiency has recurring cost them.
Crouched on the pitch, with heads sunk remorsefully into their hands, this
season’s fun has just finished for Southport. Now follows the true test.
Even in the match’s embryonic stages, it felt as though very little would
ultimately divide the opposing sides. A cagey contest that failed to
materialise, with tension and apprehension apparent throughout. Both sides, it
seemed, were reluctant to gamble; but when Woking did, it proved decisive.
With the exception of striker Neil Robinson, a seventy-fifth minute replacement
for Matthew McGinn, the limitations of Southport’s squad meant they had very
little alternative by which to introduce from the bench. In contrast, whether it
was a calculated swap or a panicked gamble, both substitutes implemented Cards’
boss Glenn Cockerill varied his side’s play and eventually combined to force the
breakthrough.
In twenty-fourth minute of extra time, Lloyd Blackman raced down the right
before his cross granted Craig McAllister the opportunity to convert with a
downward header. Outstretched goalkeeper Dickinson tried to claw the ball away,
but could only watch in anguish as it bounced into the roof of the net.
The Surrey side will now host Nationwide North leaders Northwich Victoria in the
second round of the competition, while Southport must regroup ahead of
Saturday’s significant Conference clash at home to Halifax Town. Their vacated
slot on December 3 will obviously have positive aspects, but the underlying fact
remains that the Sandgrounders need to find their next victory instantly.
On the back of a four-goal mauling at Hereford United three days ago, Woking
were almost gifted an early opener when defender Earl Davis was forced into a
quick recovery after hesitancy had released striker Justin Richards.
But it was the visitors who spurned the most inviting opportunities of
regulation play with two glorious chances missed in immediate succession.
Following a good bout of approach work, goalkeeper Shan Jalal was alert to palm
away Kevin Leadbetter’s fierce drive after being released by Dominic Morley.
Karim El-Salahi failed to clear the subsequent rebound, leaving Steve Daly to
contemplate what might have been as his poor effort was scraped off the line by
recovering defender Stuart Nethercott, when positioned to fare considerably
better.
With a number of well-timed runs, the industrious Leadbetter sparked several
nervy moments for the Woking rearguard, while Carl Baker, also prominent, twice
shot over.
The composure of defender Earl Davis helped to thwart the brunt of Woking’s
offensive play and although Steve Ferguson twice missed a decent opportunities
during a futile second period, the Sandgrounders comfortably held their own
without threatening at the other end. On the hour, El-Salahi’s incisive centre
was glanced wide with a limp header, before frontman Ferguson also blazed over
when presented with a tight angle.
A neat flick by Cards’ striker Justin Richards was smartly intercepted by Neil
Fitzhenry during extra time, while Southport substitute Kevin Lynch rushed a
shot when emerging unmarked in the penalty area, just moments after taking to
the field.
Ferguson was again wasteful in front of the target, but that became irrelevant
with 114 minutes on the clock, as Leadbetter conceded possession fifteen-yards
from goal and after a short move, Southport’s dreams were back on ice for
another twelve months at least.
Alan Jones
Southport.gb.com Match Facts:
Southport: (4-4-2) 1. Steve Dickinson, 2. Steve Pickford, 6. Earl Davis,
4. Neil Fitzhenry, 3. Jerome Fitzgerald, 5. Carl Baker, 10. Dominic Morley, 18.
Dominic Krief (14. Kevin Lynch ‘100), 20. Matthew McGinn (8. Neil Robinson ’75),
7. Kevin Leadbetter, 11. Steve Daly.
Unused Substitutes: 15. Jamie Speare,12. Farrell Kilbane, 16. Michael Powell.
Referee: R. Lee
Attendance: 2,298
Southport.gb.com Southport Man of the Match: 2. Steve Pickford
Final Score: Woking 1, Southport 0
Possession: Woking 51%, Southport 49%
Shots on Target: Woking 2, Southport 2
Shots off Target: Woking 3, Southport 2
Corners: Woking 3, Southport 2
Fouls Committed: Woking 18, Southport 18
Bookings: Woking 3, Southport 6
Sent-Off: Woking 0, Southport 0
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