Amari Morgan-Smith scored twice as Southport suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Alfreton Town.
The loss at North Street becomes the third in a row for Liam Watson’s side, who have also failed to score during that time.
Once again, the Port attack struggled to threaten the opposition, as they failed to cause Jack Atkinson any real trouble in the Alfreton goal.
The opening 45 minutes saw both sides unable to create clear cut chances, with no breakthroughs.
The Port’s only shot on target came through Reagan Ogle in the ninth minute, with the keeper saving low down to his left.
Alfreton enjoyed more of the ball in the Southport half, but failed to cause too much trouble for Dan Hanford between the sticks.
The Reds’ best opportunity came from a laid off free-kick to Bobby Johnson, who shot directed at the Port keeper.
Russell Benjamin was also shown a yellow card for a late challenge, as the half ended 0-0 and proved to be a frustrating for both under the blistering sun.
Only six minutes into the second half, the game saw its first goal as the hosts took the lead.
The ball was nicely flicked across the face of goal by Dominic Smith, with Morgan-Smith with space to tap past the keeper.
Five minutes later, the Red’s striker grabbed his second of the game and his sixth of the new season, as he rose high to head in a corner from Johnson.
Frustrations continued to grow for Watson’s side as David Morgan was shown a yellow card for a poor challenge on Morgan-Smith.
The best opportunity in the second half for Southport was from a corner, which Ryan Astles headed over.
Alfreton also had chances to extend their lead, as Johnson blasted a free kick straight into the Port wall, before firing another one over the bar five minutes later.
That proved to be the last real opportunities for both sides as the game finished 2-0 to the home side.
The double for Morgan-Smith makes it three defeats in a row for Southport, who will hope to improve things in their next game this weekend.
Alfreton Town: Jack Atkinson, Josh Clackstone, Josh Wilde, David Lynch (East 51), Shane Killock, Ryan Qualter, Josh Thacker, Dominic Smith, Danny Clarke, Amari Morgan-Smith, Bobby Johnson.
Goals: Morgan-Smith (51,’ 56’)
Unused Subs: Dale Whitham, Ben Tomlinson, Nyle Blake, Tyler Williams,.
Southport FC: Dan Hanford, Zehn Mohammed, Reagan Ogle, Andy Parry, Ryan Astles, David Morgan, Connor Woods (Raul Correia 58’), Russell Benjamin (Jack Doyle 58’), Kieran Glynn, Jack Sampson, Morgan Homson-Smith (Devarn Green 71’).
Unused subs: Brad Bauress, Charlie Albinson.
Yellow cards: Benjamin (27’), Morgan (64’)
Attendance: 507
Referee: Aaron Bannister
Written by Amos Wynn
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