Southport 1, Chorley 0: Winless run in the league continues for Magpies

On the balance of play, the Magpies ought not to have lost this one but the absence of influential striker Harry Cardwell was perhaps pivotal, while a combination of unconvincing finishing and a couple of brilliant saves by the Sandgrounders’ keeper Dan Hanford ensured that the wait for the first point from the league programme goes on.

Chorley had the better of the first half after Matt Urwin had turned over a good effort from Southport’s Niall Watson in the second minute.

In the fifth minute Ollie Shenton was very close to giving the Magpies the lead with a dipping volley which rattled the crossbar. Soon afterwards Shenton threatened again, his fine curling attempt drifting just past the post.

Then Elliot Newby tested Hanford from distance, a shot which he spilled but grabbed at the second attempt.

It was a shock therefore when Southport took the lead after 29 minutes following a foul just outside the box.

Dylan Vassalio’s shot at goal took a heavy deflection off the defensive wall, wrong-footing Urwin as it entered the net.

Chorley continued to ask questions of the home defence and Lewis Reilly saw his header held by Hanford at the second attempt.

Southport built up a period of pressure after the break but the Magpies stood firm and just after the hour-mark Hanford pulled off a superb and decisive save to deny Mike Calveley who really ought to have scored from Newby’s fine cross.

Newby later flicked an Andy Halls’ centre just past the back post as Chorley strove to the end to find the equaliser which eluded them.

At the other end, ex-Magpie Marcus Carver dragged his shot wide after breaking through and George Newell fluffed a great chance to make the points safe for Southport but his tame header failed to trouble Urwin.

CHORLEY ; Urwin, Birch (Marah,80), Smith (Garratt, 62), Halls, Leather, Baines, Calveley, Reilly, Newby, Shenton, Walker (Rodwell-Grant,80).

Subs not used : Baxter, Putnam.