Motormen put brakes on Southport in FA Trophy

Nov 26 2008 By Staff Reporter

Vauxhall Motors 0

Southport 0

VAUXHALL Motors had goalkeeper James Coates to thank following a fine goalkeeping display against The Sandgrounders.

Chances were few and far between in this match and in the opening exchanges, neither side was really able to assert itself on the other.

Port were first to show some attacking initiative after 15 minutes, when Coates dived superbly to his left to tip Matty McGinn’s effort away for a corner kick.

From the resulting corner, Southport’s Kevin Lee looked to have scored with his goalbound header but defender Lee Owens came to the rescue and cleared his effort off the goalline to keep the scores level.

On 30 minutes, Southport threatened again from another McGinn corner but this time Adam Flynn headed against the post from six yards out when he should have hit the target.

The Motormen did not show much in the way of attacking intentions despite having three strikers up front – much of the game was played out in the midfield areas. Southport should have had this game wrapped up on 75 minutes, when striker Tony Gray crossed from the right wing for Ciaran Kilheene.

Ciaran only had the keeper to beat but Coates came to the Motormen’s rescue yet again with a fine stop with his legs.

Vauxhall held on without too much cause for concern as Southport were left frustrated.

VAUXHALL MOTORS: Coates, Owens, Dames, Hannigan, Noone, Holmes, Holden, Burke, Noon, Rooney, Wright. Subs (not used): Egerton, McCubbin, McFadden. Attendence: 287