Southport progressed to the last eight of the Lancashire Challenge Cup after winning 4-2 on penalties against Nelson, writes Patricia Huszar at The Big Help Stadium.
After missing from the spot in the first half, Dior Angus redeemed himself as he scored the first penalty of the shootout to help the Yellows progress into the quarter finals.
Unfortunately for the visitors, Charlie Frost’s goal was not enough to see them through as Jack Stafford levelled for Southport just before the break as the game ended 1-1.
A perfectly weighed pass was taken down beautifully by Frost as the Blues charged down the right-hand side, followed by a shot on his left foot inside the box to put Nelson ahead in the 35th minute.
Just four minutes after going behind, Southport were awarded a penalty for a handball by Nelson captain, Billy Priestley. Angus was denied though, by Chris Thompson whose incredible save off the rebound kept his team in the driving seat.
Stafford responded for Southport with a brilliant strike on his right foot from 25 yards to draw the Yellows level going into halftime.
The hosts had the perfect chance to take the lead in the early minutes of the second-half, through striker Jamie Proctor, whose effort from the edge of the penalty area curled wide.
A chance for Stafford to put the visitors ahead in the 60th minute came through a back-heel pass from Proctor. However Stafford’s powerful effort was deflected, resulting in a goal kick for Nelson.
An opportunity rose for Priestley as Nelson were on the counterattack and although he caused trouble for goalkeeper Tony McMillan, he was left disappointed as the ball rolled across the near post.
Festhus Arthur was left feeling very lucky as he was given a yellow card for a dangerous two-footed challenge on substitute Tom Yates minutes before the final whistle.
Southport keeper McMillan was the hero as he saved two penalties in the shootout to put him in contention for a starting place against King’s Lynn Town at The Walks on Saturday.
