Andy Quy was the star player for United tonight on a boggy and cutting pitch. His play throughout the match was masterfully executed with saves coming from all angles as he backed up the excellent offside trap lain by John Brough and Trevor Matthewson.

The offside trap helped hold Southport back into their own half for much of the first half but goal scoring opportunities did not present themselves readily. The best chance fell to Tony Agana when he moved inside Paul Futher and hit a low drive at goal. John Bagnall got to the ball and pushed it over the bar for an un-productive corner.

Pressure persisted though with long shots being sent in by Gavin Mahon, Chris Hargreaves and John Brough, all to no avail.

He second half gave Southport more chances though and kept Andy Quy working hard even though the defence held well and denied the majority of attacking moves.

Quy was pressured though to the extent of having to make an excellent save in the 56th minute when Brian Butler sent in a precise cross from the left wing leaving Steve Morris to finish then job. Morris was stopped though with a double save by Quy.

Morris persisted in attacking the United defence and finally broke through in the closing minutes when the ball came to his feet and he hit it cleanly upon entering the United penalty box, but again Andy Quy was there to save the day with a dazzling save made by simply getting in the way of the hit and taking the full force of it while the defence regrouped.

Altogether a fair result on a failing pitch as United look ahead to a hopeful extension of their undefeated run with Northwich Victoria on Saturday.