TWO late strikes helped cap an excellent pre-season for the Motormen in a full-blooded encounter at Rivacre Park on Saturday, writes Gary Porter.
Substitute Paul Addo and Peter Cumiskey struck in the final 10 minutes to give Vauxhall victory over last season's Conference North champions, who had taken the lead with a scrappy opener by striker Steve Daly.
Motors boss Owen Brown said: 'The lads have worked really hard over the summer and we were physically stronger in the final 20 minutes when we ran away from them, scoring two good goals.
'It was a well-contested game with a lot of pride at stake as a lot of the boys know each other. We showed we've got options on the bench and we know we can change things as we've got some quality substitutes.
'We've had a very good pre-season and are looking forward to next Saturday at Alfreton. I don't think we could have asked for a harder start but we'll know by 4.45 next week how far we've come.'
Despite an even first half, it was the visitors who took a lead into the interval when Daly converted a scrappy opener, tapping in from close range after a mix-up between Tim Dittmar and the defence.
The second half started with both sides missing chances, Vauxhall old boy Terry Fearns striking a post and Cumiskey, McGivern and Garrity all going close for the hosts.
In the final 20 minutes, Vaux-hall forced Southport on to the back foot and after fine link-up play, a low McGivern cross was stabbed in by Addo to level with only seven minutes to go.
The Motormen weren't content to settle for a draw and their pressure reaped reward in the last minute. Cumiskey was played in down the left and after neat footwork, he chipped the ball over the keeper from the narrowest of angles.
Bad tempers flared late on when Vauxhall defender Steve McNulty was substituted after a late tackle on Dominic Krief.
The Motormen's first home game of the season is against Barrow at Rivacre Park on Tuesday, August 16 (7.45pm).
