Southport 0-2 Boston United

FA Cup

Boston United progressed into the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup with an unlikely victory at high flying Conference North side Southport. The Pilgrims inflicted only the second defeat of the season on the hosts in a repeat of the scoreline of their previous FA Cup meeting back in 1970. Boston were missing David Farrell and Liam Green through injury, so Tom Matthews started and half a dozen youngsters helped fill the long substitutes' bench. Southport looked lively from the start and were soon keeping Martyn Margarson busy in the Boston goal. A header by Ciaran Kilheeney was well saved, then a long range shot by Adam Flynn was well held. On fifteen minutes Southport were awarded a corner but it turned to Boston's advantage. The crossed ball fell to Ryan Clarke at the back and he sprinted forwards into Southport's half before delivering the ball to Kieran LEABON who picked his spot - scoring with a spectacular looping shot from the edge of the area. Southport continued to pressure without making a breakthrough. Margarson made a great save to keep out a glancing header by Neil Robinson.

Boston extended their lead early in the second half. A punt downfield picked out Jon Froggatt on the left who crossed to Leabon who turned and set up Ollie Ryan who was bundled to the ground before he could get his shot in. Jon ROWAN calmly slotted home from the spot kick. Froggatt almost made it three when he broke forward to be one on one with Tony McMillan, but after rounding the 'keeper his shot was just wide of the target. Southport had a couple of good chances in the closing minutes - Kilheeney heading wide and then Margarson making a good save to keep out Steve Daly's shot. But Boston held on to record another famous win at Haig Avenue. After the match Tommy Taylor said: "I thought it was a great performance by the boys. They really worked hard against a team at the top of their division. In the first half I thought we really played well."

Boston United: Martyn Margarson, Tom Matthews, Wes Parker, Matt Bloomer, Ryan Clarke, Stewart Talbot (Adam Millson 82), Steve Melton (Michael Wood 79), Kieran Leabon, Jon Rowan, Jon Froggatt, Ollie Ryan (Liam Parker 89). Subs not used: Aaron Butcher, Lee Beeson, Alex Beck, Mitchell Griffiths.