Southport Beaten at Macclesfield Despite Strong Display

By Dan Hayes, www.southportcentral.co.uk

Southport’s wait to secure a positive end to the season goes on after a 2-1 defeat at Macclesfield, despite a performance that deserved at least a point.

The Sandgrounders started brightly and should have gone ahead inside five minutes. Malakai McKenzie delivered a ball into an unmarked Jordan Slew in the centre of the goal, but he could only fire over the bar with the target at his mercy.

Slew was involved again moments later, this time forcing a tame effort straight at the keeper, as Southport continued to threaten early on.

They remained the more dangerous side in the opening period. Midway through the half, McKenzie was again at the heart of things, winning possession on the wing before driving inside and getting a shot away under pressure. The keeper pushed out the effort, but Slew’s follow-up lacked conviction and was collected safely.

Macclesfield offered little as an attacking force in the first half, though they did come close on 34 minutes when Carlos Dos Santos found room in a crowded box and struck the post.

At the break, it remained 0-0, with Southport the better side and enjoying the greater share of possession.

The second half began more openly, with chances flashed across the box at both ends, before Macclesfield took the lead on 54 minutes. Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, once a Sandgrounder, found space in the centre of the area and rifled a shot into the top corner from inside the box.

Southport responded with changes, with Collins introduced for Miles, who had one of his best games in a Southport shirt at right back, before Lloyd replaced McKenzie and Sze came on for Lavelle just after the hour mark.

The equaliser arrived in the 64th minute. Gnahoua worked himself into space before forcing a save from the goalkeeper, who was only able to parry the effort. The indefatigable Danny Lloyd followed up well to convert the rebound and bring Southport level.

Whilst Southport were never out of the contest, and always looked capable of taking something from the game, it was the hosts who struck again seven minutes from time. Pickford made the initial save from an effort by Duffy, but the rebound fell kindly for Fensome, who turned it back in to make it 2-1.

It left Southport to reflect on a result that will feel harsh given the balance of the game. They played some good football at times and created enough chances to get something from the contest, but a lack of cutting edge proved costly.

Even Macclesfield manager John Rooney admitted his side were “not at the races” in the first half, before improving after the break.

That was ultimately the difference on a freezing night at Macclesfield. Backed by 129 away supporters who made plenty of noise, Southport produced much that was encouraging, but were left without the result their performance may have warranted.