MATCH PREVIEW | Southport v Wealdstone – Buildbase FA Trophy

MATCH PREVIEW | Southport v Wealdstone – Buildbase FA Trophy

Southport have the chance to progress to the third round of the Buildbase FA Trophy on Saturday as they come up against Vanarama National League South side Wealdstone at the Merseyrail Community Stadium.

Gordon Bartlett’s side lie 11th in their league and, with both promotion and relegation seeming unlikely, will see the Trophy as an opportunity to brighten up a season of mid-table mediocrity.

Wealdstone find themselves in the second round after overcoming Maidenhead United and Wingate & Finchley, both via replays, and will be hoping to overcome the difference in division and cause a shock in the competition they won back in 1985.

The Sandgrounders, meanwhile, disposed of Farsley Celtic in the first round with a thoroughly professional display and will look for more of the same against lower league opposition.

Southport will surely have taken huge confidence from a victory against Barrow on Tuesday that was as heroic as it was unexpected.

The ‘Port kept their first clean sheet since November to claim three points, with new signing Robbie Cundy impressing on debut to raise hopes that another piece of Steve Burr’s jigsaw has been found.

Of the 24 National League teams who entered the competition, ten have already departed. The representation from non-league’s premier division will decrease further after Saturday, with Gateshead facing Lincoln and Chester welcoming Forest Green Rovers, in addition to any shock results that knockout competition is sure to provide.

The Sandgrounders must first and foremost ensure that they do not fall victim to a giant-killing, and then, perhaps, they can dare to dream.

By Christy Byrne