The question on everyone’s lips was how did we manage to lose a game in which we created so many chances but couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net and were made to pay when two late goals gave the home side the win.

Two uncharcteristic defensive lapses saw Lewys Twamley in the 82nd minute and Morgan Lewis 5 minutes into added time with the goals for our hosts.

The first half should have seen Southport go in 3-0 up and you wondered if we would be made to pay and so it proved.

The danger signs were there with pressure from Merthyr in the early stages of the seond half but Southport still had good chances to take the lead but were unable to convert them.

It looked to be heading for stalemate but Merthyr had other ideas as Southport seemed to tire and took full advantage.

Disappointment all round with the result but there were plenty of positives to take from the game.

Southport Line Up: Renshaw, Pike (Amaral 17), Lavelle, Moore, Tabone, Lloyd(Alston 80), Touray, Gnahoua(Slew 70) Hilton(Tucker 70) Burgess, Murphy-Worrell.

Attendance 1778

Media MOTM: Paul Murphy-Worrell

Post Match With Neil