Aldershot Town 1-2 Southport

The final home game of the 2015/16 campaign ends in defeat as the visiting Southport come back from an early Dan Walker goal to win 2-1.

A couple of changes to the defeat against Boreham Wood saw the suspended Chris Barker replaced by Jack Saville in defence, and with Dan Walker coming in at right mid, for Jim Stevenson (with Rasulo moving into centre mid).

The early stages saw neither team able to settle on the ball, and it was the Shots who took advantage of this with a smart counter attack in the 9th minute which saw Dan Walker grab his first home goal of the campaign. His blindside run capitalised on a poor defensive header which put him into a 1 on 1 situation. The keeper did well to block the first attempt but Dan did excellently to reach the rebound and slot in from a seemingly impossible angle.

The Shots began to feel some pressure following that early goal, and for the most part, repelled it well. Several players had attempts on goal for the visitors, including a fierce drive from Hewitt which was well saved by Dan Thomas.

In the 17th minute Rhys Browne conceded a freekick whilst tracking back in the left channel. This unfortunately led to the equaliser after the ball into the box found its way into the net on the third attempt. Liam Nolan found the breakthrough and Southport were level.

Liam Nolan equalises for Southport against Aldershot on 19 mins https://t.co/iXjRRnPfFb pic.twitter.com/afDaTbCCLy

— Southport FC (@southport_fc) 23 April 2016

Following this, the game’s next phase was much more balanced, with the Shots pressing and defending in equal measure, and it was the Shots who had the next best chance.

Rhys Browne won a freekick down the left wing where he was blocked off by Wright who received a Yellow Card for his troubles. The resulting freekick from Browne was lifted forward to Charlie Walker who rose highest to flick the ball goalwards and hitting the topside of the crossbar! Close, but still 1-1.

Eight minutes later, it was Southport who took their chance and had the lead. A deep right wing cross was whipped into the area and wasn’t dealt with. It was allowed to bounce and at the far post Andy Wright was on hand to stab it in.

With time ticking down to half-time, Southport looked to turn the screw and try to extend their lead. Dan Thomas was called upon twice to pull off excellent saves from attempts from Almond and Phenix. The first, a rising shot from outside the area which was parried wide, and the second was almost a carbon copy of Southport’s second goal, with Phenix arriving at the back post to head into Thomas who did well to close the angle.

HT: Aldershot Town 1-2 Southport.

The Shots looked to respond in the second half but never really looked like causing much trouble until really late on. If anything, it was Southport who looked the more likely to score with their pressure being somewhat more productive in terms of creating chances.

Both Charlie Walker and Lafayette were having real trouble with the offside trap in the second period, and whilst wanting to catch Southport of the break couldn’t really make the situation work to their advantage.

The best chance of the half came late for the Shots, as Beckles found himself in a shooting position 20 yards out, but his goal-bound volley was inadvertently blocked by Walker who was flagged offside.

Like so many visiting teams have this season, Southport expertly ran down the clock to the frustration of the players and the fans alike.

FT: Aldershot Town 1-2 Southport.

“The fans are quite right to vent their anger, whether it’s at me or the players”

Barry on Southporthttps://t.co/JkODbuKPsW

— Aldershot Town FC (@OfficialShots) 23 April 2016