A draw against Ebbsfleet at the weekend leaves Southport unable to make it into the play-off spots, but as Liam Watson's men head into their final game of the 2011/12 campaign, away at Grimsby's Blundell Park, they can be proud of the fantastic season they have had.

What a stark contrast to the situation Port found themselves in just twelve months ago, where after a fierce relegation battle, were only saved the drop when Rushden and Diamonds were expelled from the league. Nobody could have expected the season that the Yellows have had which includes a record breaking consecutive away run of eight games.

One thing will have dominated the thoughts of all connected with the club in recent days is the announcement that stalwart Kevin Lee has had to retire from football through injury after six years with the club. Kevin signed from Wigan FC and his first appearance in his professional career came with Port on the first day of the 06/07 season. He went on to score eighteen league goals in one hundred and seventy-six appearances for Port.

His honours include a Conference North title in 2010 and four county cups, making Kevin one of the most decorated players to play for the club and his presence on the pitch will be missed by players and fans alike.

After forty-five games Saturday's opponents currently sit in ninth position in the Blue Square Bet Premier league with seventy points, three points behind Port and a win on Saturday could see them leapfrog the Sandgrounders due to their superior goal difference of plus twenty.

Unbeaten in their last four games Grimsby come into the fixture off the back of a 0-0 draw with doomed Darlington FC.

The Mariners have seen several players exit Blundell Park this week. Defender Scott Garner and striker Rob Duffy, who has scored eight goals in forty-eight appearances for the club, were both released midweek, with immediate effect.

With sixteen goals in sixty-four appearances for the club since joining permanently in 2010 forward Michael Coulson has also left the club after turning down a new contract.

Saturday's game will kick off at one o'clock and hopefully making it in time for the game will be Southport's very own 'marathon man' Colin Aindow. Colin set off on Wednesday from Haig Avenue at 8am tackling the one hundred and sixty miles to Cleethorpes over three-and-a half days raising money for Help The Heroes and the Trust In Yellow Floodlight Appeal.

Supporters Player of the Year and top scorer Tony Gray, will be looking to add to his tally of twenty-four league goals in forty-three appearances this campaign, currently standing him as the fifth top scorer in the Blue Square Bet Premier League.

With three supporters coaches due to leave Haig Avenue at 8am on Saturday, the game promises to have a great end-of-season atmosphere as the fans will be in the mood to enjoy the conclusion of what has been a thrilling campaign.

So all that is really left for me to say is thank you to the team, management, all the backroom staff and every single supporter for a truly memorable season.