Early goal condemned Peterborough Sports to another damaging defeat

A bigger-than-normal crowd pitched up to see a side back in the managerial care of Michael Gash and intent on a surge out of the relegation zone in the final stages of the season.

But a goal from Southport’s Arthur Gnahoua in the second minute burst that particular bubble. The former Bolton Wanderers and Grimsby Town winger curled in an excellent shot from the edge of area which proved to be the only goal of the game despite a determined effort by the home players.

The defeat leaves Sports in the relegation zone and two points from safety ahead of a tough trip to fourth-placed Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday (March 10). Their position of peril is worsened by the number of games teams below the city side have in hand.

Sports clearly haven’t given up. They battled fiercely at times against a former Football League team who have reached the semi-finals of the FA Trophy under manager Neil Danns.

Max Booth failed with an audacious chipped attempt over visiting goalkeeper Chris Renshaw just after the goal and the shot-stopper then excelled to keep out a fine low drive from Jay Davies on the half hour. Southport came closer to scoring when heading against the crossbar from a long throw.

Sports huffed and puffed towards the end of the half and really turned the screw late on without managing to find an equaliser. Anthony Stewart’s goalbound half volley was deflected wide for a corner with Elliott Whitehouse headed straight at the ‘keeper from the subsequent set-piece.

Southport started the second-half just as quickly as the first with Chris Sze forcing recalled Sports’ keeper Peter Crook into action at his near post.

Sports had late opportunities to level as Connor Wood drove forward from left-back and forced Renshaw into a save towards the top corner with his fingertips.

And In stoppage time, Luca Miller fed substitute Kaine Felix inside the box. He took a touch to beat his defender, but Renshaw was out quickly to smother his shot at goal.

Sports: Crook, Oakley, Stewart, Willis, Wood, Whitehouse (sub Felix, 89 mins), Davies (sub McLintock, 71 mins), Cadogan, Miller, Coulthirst (sub Beresford, 72 mins), Booth.

Unused subs: Edwards, Gash, Young, Jeffers.

Southport: Renshaw, Moore, Keane, Dwyer (sub Burgess, 65 mins), Lavelle, Griffiths, Woltman (sub Hope, 57 mins), Sze (sub Hilton, 57 mins), Slew, Gnahoua (sub McKenzie, 81 mins), Miles (sub Minihan, 50 mins).

Unused subs: Lloyd, Tabone.

Attendance: 566.