RESULT | Southport 4-0 Boston United

RESULT | Southport 4-0 Boston United

Southport scored twice in both halves and had substitute Gregg Smith sent off for violent conduct, while fellow sub Jack Broadhead was withdrawn with a head injury late on to ensure the visitors finished with nine men.

Steven Schumacher, Liam Martin, Curtis Jones and Gary Roberts scored the goals which sentenced United to a third successive opening day defeat.

Southport were quickly out of the blocks, boasting an array of new signings, and Jack Sampson was unable to steer home a first minute header.

The hosts edged in front with 14 minutes played when Taron Hare was penalised for a foul outside the box and Shumacher crashed home the resulting free-kick which deceived United keeper George Willis.

United responded with Jordan Keane touching home Ashley Hemmings’ free-kick delivery, although the offside flag was promptly raised. James Clifton then cut into the box before lifting an effort over the bar.

Southport doubled their advantage 10 minutes before the break when Martin seized upon hesistancy between Willis and his backline to prod the ball over the line.

Iain Turner made an excellent save to stop Hemmings instantly cutting the deficit back to a single goal and Southport added their third goal nine minutes after the break with Jones glancing home Roberts’ inviting free-kick delivery.

Adam Murray made a triple substitution just shy of the hour mark, but only one of the players introduced lasted the remainder of the match.

Turner denied substitute Kabongo Tshimanga with a fine stop but the Pilgrims were reduced to 10 men on 73 minutes when Smith departed for an apparent elbow on Jones.

Boston’s fate was sealed nine minutes from time when Roberts smashed home a beauty from 25 yards and their mood did not improve any further when Broadhead took a blow to the head and was forced to leave the pitch after lengthy treatment.

Southport (3-5-2): Iain Turner; Adam Dugdale, Curtis Jones, Dominic Smith; Brad Jackson, Jon-Paul Kissock (Steven Jennings 80), Steven Schumacher (Alex Fletcher 46), Gary Roberts, Andrew White; Jack Sampson (Yves Zama 78), Liam Martin. Subs (not used): Ethan Jones, Rowan Roache.

Boston (4-4-1-1): George Willis; Taron Hare (Jack Broadhead 59), Jack Cowgill, Jordan Keane, Brad Beatson; James Clifton, Adam Chapman, Jamie McGuire, Ashley Hemmings; Harry Vince(Kabongo Tshimanga 59); Karl Hawley (Gregg Smith 59). Subs (not used): Mason Warren, Tyrell Waite.

Referee: Simon Mather.

Attendance: 886 (141 visitors).