PREVIEW | Southport FC Vs Ashton United

PREVIEW | Southport FC Vs Ashton United

After a 4-1 victory over Nuneaton, Southport earned their much-needed first win of the season. Liam Watson will hope his side can build on that, starting with Saturday’s game against Ashton United (3pm KO).

Braces from Jack Sampson and Dion Charles, put a smile back on the face of Sandgrounders fans after a miserable start to the season.

If Watson’s side are able to recapture the form from the previous game they could be in for another good win when they take on The Robins, who have the joint worst defensive record in the league, conceding 13 goals in the opening five.

They began the campaign with a clean sheet surprisingly, drawing 0-0 with Nuneaton Borough, who currently sit bottom of the league with the worst goal scoring record in the league.

Ashton’s defensive frailties would become apparent in the following game, conceding three away at FC United of Manchester.

Luckily Jody Banim’s side showed their quality in attack by scoring four themselves.

Second half goals from Tomsett, Evangelinos and McHale, added to Chadwick’s seventh minute opener, helping the Robins come from behind for a 4-3 win.

Chadwick and Evangelinos were on the goal sheet once again as the goals continued to flood in away at Kidderminster in a 3-3 draw.

Heading into the last 15 minutes The Robins were on course for their second victory of the campaign, a 77th minute goal from Chambers followed by an equaliser from Richards in the fifth minute on added time, denying the victory.

After a reasonable start, there has been a downturn in form in the previous two games.

A 2-0 defeat against York was soon followed by a heavy 5-1 defeat to Brackley Town, as they were made to pay for their defensive weaknesses.

The warning signs were present during Ashton’s pre-season, conceding 15 goals in five games.

It was always going to be a tough start for the Robins as they adapt to a new division following promotion via the play-offs last season.

This was all under the leadership of manager Jody Banim.

The former striker, Banim, briefly featured for Ashton in his playing days. After being signed as attacking cover and scored with his first touch for the club.

He then entered into the managing world, taking over as joint-manager in 2016 and has impressed ever since, silencing the doubters in the process as the club continue to progress with limited resources.

Saturday’s game is another big one for both. With a full week to prepare another three points to make sure the season is back on the right track is needed for the Port, whilst Ashton will be trying to fix their defensive issues sooner rather than later, something they have done on many occasions before.

Fans can purchase tickets online for this fixture up until 8pm on Friday (the day before the game)t by clicking here and will receive a 10% discount for doing us.

Please remember the club operate cashless turnstiles. So if you don’t have an online ticket, ticket in advance or Season Ticket, you will have to visit the Club Shop on Haig Avenue to purchase a ticket before entering through the turnstile.

The Club Shop will be open 2-6pm on Friday 24 August when match-day programmes and tickets will be on sale.

The Club Shop will close at 2:55pm and the turnstiles will close at 3:15pm for Saturday fixtures that kick-off at 3pm.

Match tickets will be on sale in-between these times in the 1881 Lounge.

Written by Amos Wynn