The match had started promisingly enough and looked set to be a well deserved victory as United controlled the majority of play and were consistently the stronger side. Ian Foster looked set to open the scoring with his determined attack on goal. His shot was low and powerful but Southport's keeper, Billy Stewart, managed to block the shot with his legs and the ball was cleared.

Foster didn't relent though and started another assult shortly after. This time he played the ball at the top corner, striking the joint of the bar and post, sending the ball back into play. Jamie Pitman was on hand to collect and finish the job with his first touch though from just outside the 6 yard box with a narrowing angle.

Southport did make a couple of attempts to break through the home defence with little success as the ball was cleared repeatedly and pressure reapplied to the visitors.

Gavin Mahon again came close to finishing one of his flamboyant 25 yard drives as it rattled the bar over Stewart's head.

The second half started a little shakey as United struggled to get to grips with Southport but regained a positive pressence as the match continued. During the lapse though, Southport squandered a chance to equalise as Phil Bolland failed to latch onto a free-kick cleanly sending the ball wide of goal.

United were still looking for the goal to guarantee the victory in the dying minutes of the game as Pitman had a shot saved at his feet from the fast approaching Stewart and Ian Foster again hit the woodwork.

The insult came on the break as has happened all to often recently. Paul Mitten collected the ball during a final last-ditch attack by Southport during injury time, and drove the ball home through a mass of players. Mark Gayle didn't even see the ball let alone save it.

An unfair result which insulted the players who have only just been paid thanks to the continuing financial difficulties.