Costly opening eight minutes decide Leamington defeat
by Dan Hayes, southportcentral.co.uk
Southport were beaten 2-1 by already relegated Leamington after conceding twice inside the opening eight minutes at Haig Avenue.
Sides with nothing to play for can often prove awkward opponents, and Leamington began with freedom and intensity. Max Brogan opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a long-range strike, and the visitors doubled their lead two minutes later through Miro Pais as Southport were punished for a sluggish start.
After the difficult opening, Southport settled and began to grow into the game. The hosts looked more composed in possession and started to push Leamington back, with Malakai McKenzie providing a lively outlet down the right.
The pressure told on 32 minutes with a well-worked goal. McKenzie skipped past his marker and drove the ball across the face of the goal, where Chris Sze arrived to finish from close range and pull Southport back into the contest.
Southport continued to press before the break and almost levelled when Sam Minihan cut the ball back into the area. McKenzie created space for himself, but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper.
The second half was largely played in Leamington territory, with Southport dominating possession and looking for an equaliser. Despite controlling much of the play, clear chances were limited, with the visitors remaining compact and determined defensively.
As the game moved into the closing stages, frustration began to grow. Luke Griffiths was shown a yellow card for dissent on 75 minutes, before receiving a second booking in the 84th minute, leaving Southport to finish the match with ten men.
Leamington saw out the remaining minutes to secure the victory, while Southport were left to reflect on the costly opening spell.
Despite the defeat, results elsewhere confirmed Southport are now mathematically safe, with King’s Lynn Town, Alfreton Town, Peterborough Sports and Leamington all unable to catch their points total.
The Sponsors Man Of The Match was Sam Minihan and he receives the Adam Le Roi Trophy
