Gnahoua and Clegg Trade Blows to set up a midweek replay report by James Houghton
Southport got their FA Cup off to a middling start at Stainton Park as they draw 1-1 with hosts Radcliffe, with both sides creating a number of opportunities throughout the match. Arthur Gnahoua’s second-half strike for the Sandgrounders was cancelled out by Radcliffe’s Rio Clegg from the penalty spot.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair with both teams testing the opposition’s defence. Southport created the first major chance in the 12th minute when Arthur Gnahoua found himself through on goal. However, his extra touch allowed time for former Sandgrounder Mark Halstead to steady himself and make a save and push the ball behind. From the resulting corner, taken by Danny Lloyd, Tom Moore volley a chance high over the bar.
Radcliffe responded quickly with a dangerous free-kick just four minutes later, leading to a scramble in the box that was eventually cleared by Chris Renshaw.
Southport’s Ben Collins had a good opportunity in the 22nd minute after a neat lay-off from Gnahoua, but his shot went high into the stand.
Radcliffe then had a golden chance of their own three minutes later when a powerful shot from Danny Greenfield was parried by Renshaw into the path Matt Sargent, who was unable to make a clean connection, allowing Southport to clear the danger.
As the half wore on, Danny Lloyd and Mo Touray both had shots from distance that curled just wide of the target. Southport came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 41st minute when Jordan Slew rounded the goalkeeper, but his effort was blocked off the line by Dan Gardner. Radcliffe had the final chance of the half with a free-kick that went into the side netting.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 57th minute. Arthur Gnahoua, cutting in from the left wing, curled a fantastic right-footed shot into the bottom right corner, reminiscent of the goal that gave us the lead at Leamington. After taking the lead Southport attempted to shut up shop and were looking good value to do so, limiting the hosts to shots from outside the box.
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the 78th minute when Radcliffe were awarded a penalty after Lavelle was adjudged to have fouled Michael Afuye. Clegg stepped up to take the spot-kick, sending Renshaw the wrong way to level.
Despite a late push from both teams, including Tom Moore nearly giving us the win deep into injury time, neither side could find a winner, and the match finished all square.
Interviews With Neil and Arthur Gnahoua
