MATCH REPORT: Southport earn valuable point in Vanarama National League North

Southport FC secured a valuable point against second-placed Brackley Town in an eventful 0-0 draw in the Vanarama National League North.

The game’s two big talking points came within two minutes of each other, firstly in the 61^st minute when James Armson’s headed goal was disallowed for a foul in the box.

Southport, buoyed by the let-off, went down the other end two minutes later and Tyler Walton was brought down by Max Dyche who received a red card.

The first chance of the match came the home sides way in the 12^th minute when Dylan Vassallo found space in the box, but his effort was well blocked.

We had a very moving period of reflection ahead of the game against Brackley yesterday with a very thoughtful piece read out by Nicola accompanied by a short clip from Imagine by John Lennon.
Watch 🎥https://t.co/DeS48ntcXb pic.twitter.com/l09aBgmvYi

— Southport Football Club (@southport_fc) March 6, 2022

Southport came close again to taking an early lead in the 22^nd minute through a Charlie Munro free kick on the edge of the area which curled just past the near post.

There were a few half chances for both sides before the break but neither team could complain with the game being scoreless at half time.

Southport had a goal mouth opportunity in the 52^nd minute through Tyler Walton who did well down the right wing before providing a low driven ball across goal, but Jordan Archer was unable to connect with the ball.

Brackley thought they had taken the lead in the 61^st minute when James Armson got on the end of a free kick and his headed effort hit the roof of the net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul in the box.

Just two minutes later the visitors were sent down to 10 men after Max Dyche took down Tyler Walton recklessly as Walton looked like he was through on goal.

In the 66^th minute the 10 men of Brackley had another good opportunity to take the lead after a goal mouth scramble led to a gaping chance for Lee Ndlovu but his header dribbled past the post from close range.

In the 69^th minute the ball fell again to Ndlovu unmarked inside the box with an open goal to aim at but he missed another glaring chance.

Going down to 10 men seemed to give Brackley more impetuous as they began playing their best football of the day but despite their best efforts, Southport held on to an important point.