Southport left it late to secure a dramatic point against Chester in a rain-soaked Merseyside derby, writes Sam Lawrence at The Big Help Stadium.
Adrien Thibaut’s stoppage-time strike ensured the Yellows extended their unbeaten run to four games despite being forced to come from behind twice after dominating much of the contest.
The hosts came into the fixture 21st in the National League North table but buoyed by an upturn in form, while Chester were aiming to build on their win over Buxton.
A large crowd braved the heavy downpour, with both sets of supporters in full voice for the Remembrance Day fixture.
Both sets of players and fans observe a minutes silence for Remembrance Day / credit Sam Lawrence
The opening exchanges were scrappy as both sides battled the conditions, the ball frequently holding up on the saturated pitch. Southport had the first clear opportunity when Jordan Slew cut inside from the left and forced George Murray-Jones into a low save after 15 minutes.
Neil Danns’ side enjoyed the better of possession and territory, though they struggled to break down a disciplined Chester defence.
The visitors grew into the game and could have gone ahead just after the half-hour mark when Dion Kelly-Evans’ close-range effort was well stopped by Chris Renshaw, before Offrande Zanzala lifted another good chance over the bar moments later.
Chester did take the lead in the 39th minute in fortuitous fashion. Declan Weeks’ long ball looked routine for Renshaw, but the Southport keeper spilled it into the path of Zanzala, who rolled home into an empty net.
Tensions flared soon after when former Southport midfielder Jack Bainbridge was booked for a rash challenge on Jordan Keane, drawing loud protests from the home crowd.
The half ended with more drama as Chester’s Nathan Woodthorpe was shown a straight red card for a dangerous two-footed tackle on Ted Lavelle, leaving the visitors down to 10-men at the break.
Calum McIntyre’s side reshuffled during the interval, but Southport made their numerical advantage count eight minutes after the restart. Lavelle threaded a pass through to Sonny Hilton, who calmly finished into the bottom corner via the post to make it 1–1.
From there, the Yellows dominated possession, with Lavelle and Callum Edwards instrumental down the flanks. Edwards repeatedly caused problems for Chester’s defence, forcing Murray-Jones into several saves as the hosts searched for a winner.
However, against the run of play, Chester reclaimed the lead in the 84th minute. Substitute Lewis Leigh delivered a dangerous cross from the right that eventually fell to former Southport winger Connor Woods, who tapped home the rebound after Renshaw’s initial save.
Despite the setback, Southport refused to relent. Substitute Malakai McKenzie came close with a curling effort before the home side finally found their equaliser deep into stoppage time. Sam Minihan’s surging run and low cross found Thibaut, who slotted home from close range to send the Jack Carr Stand into raptures.
It was a frustrating evening for Southport, who were the better side throughout but were punished for defensive lapses. The late equaliser reflected their persistence and growing confidence under Danns, and although they extend their unbeaten streak, they will feel hard done by here, only taking one point from a game that they dominated from start to finish.
Attendance: 1,507
Southport: Renshaw, Lavelle, Moore (C), Lloyd, Slew, Keane, Hilton, Minihan, Edwards (McKenzie 81’), Thibaut, Griffiths (Touray 88’)
Chester: Murray-Jones, Kelly-Evans (Woods 58’), Woodthorpe, Weeks (C), Leak, Jones, Bainbridge, Zanzala (Shrimpton 74’), Murray (Leigh 58’), P Jones (Barlow 74’), Carson
