Defeat on the raod on a bitterly cold night in Ashton.
Chances for the visitors were few and far between with just a couple of serious goal attempts in the game.
It was down to Chris Renshaw, playing against his former team, in the Southport goal to keep the scoreline down making four excellent saves during the game.
The only goal came on 33 minutes when the unmarked Jimmy Spencer rose highest at the near post to head home a corner.
Southport did show a little more attacking intent in the second half but were unable to make it count in the final third.
Line Up: Renshaw, Thomson, Doyle (Minihan 86), Williams (Morgan 54), Carver (Proctor 57), Quansah, Moore, Hilton (Angus 57), Burgess, Philliskirk, Arthur