It has been an encouraging pre-season for Southport and, with less than a fortnight to go until the start of the new campaign, this performance against Accrington Stanley provided further grounds for optimism.



Finding the goal in fine style for the second time in as many friendlies, Nathan Lowe struck during the second half as the Sandgrounders recovered a deficit to claim a very creditable draw against their opponents from Sky Bet League One.


Southport celebrate the goal from Nathan Lowe, who finds the net (above)

In creating numerous chances as the game progressed, Liam Watson’s side played some bright attacking football and they worked themselves into enough good positions to have found the target more than once.

The performances of Lowe, who is back in the fold after spending the latter part of the last campaign on loan at Spennymoor Town, has been one of the most pleasing aspects of Southport’s pre-season.

Having fallen behind to a goal from substitute Billy Kee, it was Lowe who drew the Sandgrounders level on 70 minutes, planting a 25-yard free-kick into the bottom left-hand corner.

He had found the target from similar range during the weekend win over Barrow and his quality in midfield highlights the competition for places within Watson’s squad.

How Southport failed to score again was the only question. An angled drive from Jason Gilchrist went narrowly wide as the home team applied good pressure in the final stages, before a free-kick from Lowe, whose delivery from set-plays was excellent throughout, was headed wide at the far post by Jack Sampson.




There had been few chances in the first half but Southport’s approach work was good. Gilchrist dispossessed defender Ross Sykes but, bearing down on goal with only Jonny Maxtead to beat, his shot was saved by the Accrington goalkeeper.

Kee, who spearheaded Accrington’s charge to the League Two championship last season as the division’s leading goalscorer, was introduced at half-time and within three minutes, he headed the visitors in front by converting a right-wing cross from Piero Mingoia.

Kee claimed a hat-trick against Southport last pre-season and he almost scored again this time, also curling a free-kick against a post.

But the Sandgrounders were responsible for some enterprising football and after chances for Sampson, Gilchrist and Bradley Bauress, Lowe ensured they left with a well-earned draw.

Southport play EFL opposition again in their final pre-season friendly on Saturday at home to Bury at 3pm.



Southport: Dan Hanford, Trialist, Trialist (Billy Priestley 66), David Lynch, Ryan Astles, Josh Langley, Bradley Bauress (Devarn Green 66), Nathan Lowe, Jason Gilchrist, Mike Phenix (Jack Sampson 60), Dion Charles (Lewis Doyle 60).
Subs not used: Jordan Richards, David Morgan.

Attendance: 473

Report by Alan Jones

Photos by Lewis Storey