Jack Doyle scored his first Southport goal deep in stoppage time to earn Liam Watson’s side a point at Brackley Town.



The Port looked to be heading to defeat when Lee Ndlouv headed the home team in front with 12 minutes remaining.

But having been on the receiving end of late drama in their last game against Hereford, this time it was Southport’s turn to profit, as Doyle nudged the ball home from inside a crowded penalty area.

Over the piece, the visitors were worthy of a point, having matched their fifth-placed opponents for large periods of a tight game.

The result extends Southport’s current unbeaten run to five games, this being the second of four consecutive long away trips.

As at Hereford, Watson opted for a shape that included three central defenders, handing a debut to Jack Sanders, who recorded an assured first start on loan from Wigan Athletic.

Although Brackley were quicker to settle, the Port created the clearest chances in the first half.

Connor Woods released George Newell into the area with a weighted pass. The angle looked to be opening up for the striker but he was unable to generate enough power behind the shot.

Woods also shot wide after finding a pocket of space 25 yards from goal before he also send a dipping shot over the bar later in the half.

Carl Baker, the former Port attacker, was one of the more dangerous outlets for the home team, who found space several times down the wings but were unable to capitalise.

Matt Lowe was denied by goalkeeper Dan Hanford, who also did well to save from Shane Byrne.

At the start of the second half, a good cross from Doyle just escaped Newell inside the area. With chances in short supply and quality difficult to find, there was little between the teams for much of the game.

But with 20 minutes remaining, the home side started to apply more pressure. Dan Holman shot wide from a Baker cross and the Brackley striker was also denied by an important interception from Dean Winnard.

It looked as though Ndlouv would settle the matter when he headed home a corner at the far post, but the final word instead went to Doyle, earning Southport a deserved point.



Brackley Town: Lewis, Myles, Franklin, Byrne, Walker, Dean, Lowe, Murombedzi, Ndlovu, Holman (Armson 89), Baker (Langmead).
Sus not used: Daire, Maye, Smith.

Southport: Hanford, Sanders, Doyle, Winnard (Dunn 80), Astles, Parry (Bauress 65), Ogle, Oliver, Newell, Sampson, Woods.
Subs not used: Albinson, Benjamin, Morgan.

Attendance: 350

Referee: Dale Wootton