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Southport boss defends selection decisions
Angry Liam Watson has defended his decision to play Southport's second string in a 5-1 defeat at Farsley Celtic.
Port return to full strength for the first leg of a play-off clash with Gateshead at Haig Avenue tonight.
But Watson's decision attracted criticism from fans, unhappy at not seeing the first team, claiming the journey to Yorkshire was a waste of money.
"I did it to protect the players – what was the point of sending senior players over to Farsley when a couple of them could have got injured for tonight's game, the really important one," said the Southport boss.
"Farsley's pitch is a disgrace, probably the worst in the league, so there is always the risk of picking up an injury.
"My responsibility was to the health and well-being of my players, and we need everybody ready for Gateshead.
"Also, the fixture was a dead-rubber, and the players were exhausted after nine games in 26 days, a punishing schedule."
The winners of the two-legged tie – Southport go to Gateshead on Sunday – meet Telford United or Alfreton Town in the final for the right to play in the top flight of non-league next season.
"At the start of the season the target was promotion – and we are still on course," he added.
"When I came back here from Burscough last July there were six players on the books and the club was in a shambles, so to be where we are is a great effort after the huge change of personnel last summer.
"We weren't good enough to win the league and we came up short because we didn't score enough goals.
"That's the reality, but I'm proud of what they've achieved so far when you look at the fortunes other clubs have spent and not made it to the play-offs.
"We've never been out of the top five all season, lost eight league games in 42 starts and up until last week we were still in the hunt for the championship."
Gateshead looked to be title winners in a 3-2 win at Haig Avenue in early March, but Ian Bogie's side finished five points off champions Tamworth.
"Gateshead are a good side with the highest goalscorer in the league, Lee Novak, but I still think we can do it.
"I'm not unhappy about playing them first and having to go to Gateshead. Hopefully, all the pressure will be on them."
Port are without a win in five starts, with leading scorer Ciaran Kilheeney a major fitness doubt.
Kilheeney, who has scored 16 league goals this term, perforated an ear-drum in their 1-0 defeat at Blyth Spartans eight days ago.
Watson added: "I really don't know if Ciaran will be ready – it is touch and go. He has had problems with his balance since but has shown improvement this last 24 hours."
Meanwhile, AFC Fylde continue their late North West Counties League title charge at Witton Albion FC against Runcorn Linnets tonight, knowing a win is needed after title rivals New Mills beat Atherton LR 5-0 on Monday to regain top spot.
And Kendal Town suffered an agonising 4-3 extra-time UniBond Premier Division semi-final play-off defeat at Ilkeston Town last night.
Kieran Murphy netted the Ilkeston winner just two minutes before a penalty shoot-out was due.
Earlier, Tony Hallam, David Foster and Alex Taylor had scored for Kendal.
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Weather for Preston
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
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