Controversial free kick sees Spennymoor take three points from Southport

Southport returned from the North East on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline in a game that could have gone either way.

It was a pulsating first half that saw Josh Hmami give Southport the lead racing through on 16 minutes after a great flick on by Marcus Carver before the home side responded with a brace by Brad Abbott on 33 and 41 minutes.

Carver had a massive opportunity to put the visitors 2-0 up but chose to try and chip the keeper instead of placing the ball. It was to be a key moment as Spennymoor came into the game strongly after that. However, Carver made amends in added time at the end of the first half with a sublime finish from 12 yards coolly beating the ‘keeper with a side-foot volley.

Both sides left the field to well-deserved applause after a half of high quality with chances coming at either end..

The second period failed to live up to the first but still provided chances at a regular rate, however, it was Spennymoor who went on to take the three points in controversial fashion which left the Southport fans and manager Liam Watson raging. The referee awarded a free kick to the home side which they took quickly and broke and Ramshaw was on hand to finish. The general view from those close up was it was never a free kick and Southport were left short at the back.

Southport did create a couple of late chances with Niall Watson looking lively down the left wing cutting the ball back but nobody was on the end of it. He could have gone down for the penalty but instead tried to get his cross in.

There was no announcement of the added time to be played but both sides went close with Taylor hitting the post for the home side and Bainbridge heading over for Southport.

The Southport fans in the excellent crowd of 1312 were quick to let the referee know how they felt at the end of the game!

It was a game where Southport deserved to come away with a point. Good defending when they were under the cosh at the start of the second half and lively counter-attacking but unfortunately it was the home fans who were left celebrating at the end.

Line Up: Mason, Doyle J, Benjamin, Anson, Tharme, Woods, Carver, Doyle C, Hmami, Vassallo, Bainbridge.

Subs: McMillan, Munro, Archer, Oliver & Watson.

Subs Used: Munro for Benjamin 26 Watson for Vassallo 66 and Archer for Hmami 85.

Scorers : Hmami 16 & Carver 45+4

Referee : Jonathan Urwin

Att : 1312

Media MOTM : Marcus Carver