Vauxhall Motors 0 Southport 0
MOTORS had goalkeeper James Coates to thank for a fine goalkeeping display to keep the Sandgrounders at bay on Saturday.
Vauxhall worked hard to prevent a re-run of their 5-2 league defeat to Southport last month and a solid defensive display won the Ellesmere Port outfit a replay in the FA Trophy.
Chances were few and far between in this third qualifying round tie and in the opening exchanges neither side could assert itself on the other.
The visitors were first to show some attacking initiative when, on 15 minutes, 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 headed home but defender Lee Owens cleared his effort off the goal-line to keep the scores level.
On 30 minutes, another McGinn corner troubled the Motormen defence but Adam Flynn headed against the post from six yards when he should have hit the target.
Despite having three strikers up front, Motors showed little attacking initiative and much of the game was played out in midfield.
Southport should have had the game wrapped up on 75 minutes when striker Tony Gray crossed from the right wing for Ciaran Kilheeney, who had only 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.
The replay was played last night in Southport, after the Pioneer went to press. The winners will play Blue Square Premier side Altrincham away in the first round proper on Saturday, December 13.
Vauxhall: Coates, Owens, Dames, Hannigan, Noone, Holmes, Holden, Burke, Noon, Rooney, Wright. Subs: Egerton, McCubbin, McFadden.
Attendance: 287.
