If was another frustrating afternoon for the followers of Southport FC, as they witnessed a second incoherent display against a Redditch side who’d just lost 3 matches.

Skipper Chris Price retrieved a 1 goal deficit as the patient Haig Avenue crowd again witnessed the Sandgrounders fail to break down opposition they should be beating if they are to fulfil their ambition of promotion.

It was an improved defensive display as Earl Davis recovered from his Tuesday night blues to register a sound performance. But it was offensively where the home side lacked, as they failed to retain possession, were narrow in midfield and starved strikers Robinson and Fearns of any goalscoring opportunities.

Chances for both sides were at a premium during the first half, as Price’s distanced drive was blocked by the Redditch rearguard and Robinson saw a header creep wide.

As in each of Southport’s 2 previous home matches, it the visitors took the lead.

On the half hour, Penny crossed from the right, allowing troublesome striker Norman Sylla to turn and stroke the ball past a helpless Dickinson.

And United had a number of opportunities to increase their lead. Richard Leadbetter, Jordan King and Sylla all found space following some slack ‘Port defending, but failed to find the target when they should have done better.

The Southport equaliser came on the stroke of half-time.

James Williams ventured down the right and applied high centre. Price rose 16-yards from goal to thunder his header into Richard Anstiss’ top right hand corner.

Steve Pickford had the last chance of the half, but he could only shoot wide after a lay-off from Robinson.

The visitors were on the ascendancy during the early stages of the second period and were again left to rue some woeful finishing.

First, Woodley fluffed wide after being released by Luke Price, before determined work from Southport’s Fitzgerald denied Sylla as the former Barnet man looked to shoot. Leadbetter saw a free-header whistle over the bar.

The home side continued to needlessly concede possession and failed to complete simple passing. As they won the ball in defence, they would put themselves under immediate pressure after playing aimless balls upfied.

The introduction of striker Steve Daly brought much needed physical presence in attack and must be credited for his desire to work the defence.

The closest Southport came to a second was again through captain Price. Carl Baker whipped in a right-wing free-kick and Price’s bullet header at the near post forced a fine reflex save from ‘keeper Anstiss.