The home side started in a confident mood, but Robbie Booth's opening effort was well dealt with by keeper Danny Hurst.

Port were caught napping as a pass from Jamie Milligan caught the advancing Adam Warlow neatly, and he volleyed beyond the stretching Tony McMillan to claim a third goal for Town in two games.

The immediate response was a Michael Powell header from John Doolan's ball into the box, but the ball sailed over the bar.

And Jamie Milligan should have extended Town's lead as he found himself in space just on the edge of the area, but his shot skimmed wide.

Southport's patience finally paid off just before the half-hour mark as Chris Lever's free-kick went into the area, with Danny Hurst only able to punch away under pressure to Mark Duffy, who picked his spot in the melee, and hit home.

Port's momentum was nearly rewarded by a second goal as a Booth shot crashed against the crossbar, with the ball going out to Duffy, whose shot was deflected for a corner.

The rain well and truly arrived for the second half, but the game continued at a similar pace, with Town continuing their pressure.

Milligan's corner caused a moment of worry as Warlow climbed to head just wide.

Southport became frustrated as the afternoon went on, the next best chance falling after 70 minutes as Duffy created space against two defenders, feeding the ball over to the back post where Ciaran Kilheeney was just unable to steer his header home.

With five minutes left, Port had loud claims for a penalty turned down as Powell was fouled from behind just inside the box, the officials claiming the ball was cleanly won, leaving the teams to share the points.