Southport grab deserved 2-0 win over Radcliffe

Two second half goals from Jordan Slew and Adrien Thibaut clinched an important victory for Southport as the Sandgrounders unbeaten run continues in the National League North, writes Rayhan Bengougou at Haig Avenue. 

Southport had the first chance to go ahead as Luke Griffiths took a shot from a few yards out but was saved by Radcliffe goalkeeper Mateusz Hewelt. The ball then fell to Jordan Keen at the near post only to hit the woodwork, making it a good start for the home team and a worrying one for the visitors. 

Southport had plenty of chances to get ahead through the rest of the first half, with Malakai McKenzie and Slew causing problems for Radcliffe. They both tested the keeper but were unable to find the back of the net. 

Yellow’s goalkeeper Chris Renshaw made a few good saves to make sure his team would stay in game, including one in the 41st minute to deny Olly Thornley. 

The first half finished 0-0 with a goal for Southport looking inevitable.

The second half began well for Southport who took the lead thanks to a beautifully well worked goal, curled in by Slew to send the whole of Haig Avenue into joyful applause.  

The rest of the game was a tense affair between both clubs with Southport making sure they could hold on to their lead as Radcliffe applied the pressure to get an equalizer.  

Renshaw made some crucial saves to keep his team in the lead, including a brilliant stop in the 80th minute against substitute Anthony Dudley’s low effort, pushing it wide. 

Only two minutes later, it was pandemonium once more as Thibaut made it 2-0 after a lovely bit of build up play. 

A double save in added time by Renshaw was rewarded with a clean sheet and secured an important victory for the Sandgrounders. 

This sees them move to 18th in the League table and further from the relegation zone to continue a series of fine form with three wins and three draws in the league ahead of a trip to Alfreton town.