Southport earned their place in the final round of qualifiers for the FA Cup with a replay victory against Spennymoor FC.
They will now look to a massive home tie against high-flying Altrincham Town.
The home side came out 3-2 victors after coming from 2-1 down in the second half of a fiery match at the Pure Stadium.
Goals from Doug Tharme, Jordan Archer and Marcus Carver saw off the visitors, who played the entirety of the second half with ten men.
Southport Manager Liam Watson was pleased with his side’s performance.
He said: “We needed half-time, but once we got there I always thought the next goal would be decisive, especially with the wind.
“We wasted the ball in the last ten minutes when we should have killed the game off but brilliant performance and work rate.”
It became clear Southport were happy to allow the visitors to dominate possession, constantly looking to hit them on the break with forwards Carver and Archer causing problems in behind the Spennymoor back four.
Southport finally started creating chances, with the majority coming from out wide as they looked to utilise the wingbacks efficient crossing.
It seemed liked the Port would take the lead as they were awarded a penalty for a handball incident, however Carver’s effort was saved well down low to Spennymoor keeper Dale Eve’s right hand side.
The home side made no mistake from the resulting corner and took the lead through a fine finish at the back post from centre half Tharme to the delight of the home stadium.
The visiting side were level just after the half hour mark, hitting Southport on the counter and finally finishing with a looping header from Glen Taylor after big blocks and failed clearances in the southport area.
Spennymoor then took the lead less than five minutes later after Southport failed to clear a free kick, the ball dropping kindly for Brad Abbott who fired home from close range.
The Referee reduced the away side to 10 men after a high and late tackle from Stephen Thompson who recklessly attempted to collect a loose ball that was never his to win.
The second half began with a flurry of Southport attacks who looked to utilise Tharme’s long throw-in, as well as set-pieces from all over the pitch.
Their persistence paid off as Archer levelled just before the hour after reacting first to the Spennymoor keeper’s low save and firing Southport back level.
Southport eventually found their winner after another rebound from a keeper save.
Carver this time seeing his header denied before eventually charging through the goal mouth scramble to smash the Sand Grounders back into the lead, celebrating with a spectacular knee slide in front of the home crowd.
The home side could’ve extended their lead and finished the game comfortably, however couldn’t capitalise on empty space left at the back for the 10 men.
