REPORT | Below-Par Port

A below-par Southport saw their five-game unbeaten run come to an end with defeat at Boston United.

Goals in either half from Brad Abbott and Jordan Thewlis means the Port left Lincolnshire empty-handed.

In truth, it was a substandard showing from Southport who, by the admission of manager Liam Watson were second best throughout.

Boston took the lead five minutes before half-time, by which stage the home team should already have been in front, missing two chances from close range.

The Port struggled to find any form of attacking cohesion and never looked settled defensively. Their best period in the game came immediately before Boston’s second goal, Jack Sampson sending a header against the top of the crossbar, but there could be no complaints about the scoreline.

Boston came within inches of taking the lead inside seven minutes, Jay Rollins sending a shot against the Port bar after a cross from Alex Whittle before the visitors scrambled the ball clear.

It was the start of a strong period of pressure from the hosts, as Reagan Ogle made a block from Thewlis, who also brought a parrying save from goalkeeper Charlie Albinson.

Thewlis looked to have put the ball on a plate for Dominic Knowles, but from a matter of yards he sent the ball back across the face of goal.

There was to be no let-off for the visitors shortly before the break, Abbott steering home a cross from Knowles after he had originally released te winger.

Zehn Mohamed was on hand to deny Knowles in the second half, but the visitors then started to apply themselves better.

A free-kick from Brad Bauress was deflected wide and from the resulting corner, his delivery was met by the head of Andy Parry, only for goalkeeper Peter Crook to keep out what looked like a goal-bound effort.

Alex Whittle blocked a shot from Kieran Glynn and Sampson was denied by the woodwork with a header from a Reagan Ogle throw-in.

That was as good as things would get for the Port, as Boston broke through Abbott, whose pass was converted by Thewlis with an angled finish.

Boston were able to close out the result with ease, meaning it was a disappointing journey home for the Port and the travelling fans.