AFC Telford 1 Southport 0 - Report and pictures
Gavin Cowan's first competitive game in charge of AFC Telford United saw them beat old Bucks boss Liam Watson's Southport 1-0.
It was a case of football prevailing as Telford eventually found a way through a robust away side, Amari Morgan-Smith converting from a few yards out.
Much to be pleased about for the New Bucks Head faithful, who had to wait until the sixth home fixture for a victory last season. Up next for them is a short trip to Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday night (7.45pm)
Analysis
Watson, who led the Bucks to the National North title in 2013,14, received a warm reception from all sides of the 1,274-strong crowd before kick-off.
Telford, in their blue away strip due to the delivery of the home one being delayed, had the lion's share of possession in the first half. Evidence of Southport being under the cosh was the fact they had cleared three balls out of the ground before the half-hour mark.
Ellis Deeney looked particularly sharp in the Bucks midfield, shaking off plenty of challenges and picking out team-mates with well-placed passes. James McQuilkin was pretty tidy too.
The hosts, undoubtedly, were the more assured outfit, but it was the Sandgrounders who went closest to scoring in the opening 45 minutes - Jack Sampson clipping the woodwork.
A few moments into the second period, Southport took their out-of-the-ground-clearance tally to four. Their no-frills approach was proving tough for Telford to break down.
The Bucks tried to play through the lines but, at times, were making a pass too many.
Dion Charles came on for the visitors just prior to the hour and was determined to use every opportunity to run at the Bucks defence. He was direct, attempting to get crosses into the box.
A dangerous ball into the area resulted in Telford taking the lead - Ross White the provider, Morgan-Smith finishing with aplomb. White was very impressive for the Bucks, making some terrific tackles as well as chipping in with the all-important assist.
Five minutes of added time got nerves jangling a bit, but Telford held on for a deserved three points.
Key Moments
15 - Southport almost take the lead. Following a corner, which came as a result of a last-ditch intervention from Telford's Ross White, Jack Sampson takes a touch and sees his strike shave the crossbar.
54 - Decent chance for the visitors. Nathan Lowe's scuffed effort falls to Sampson who can't get his feet sorted. Darryl Knights then forces Dan Handford into a smart save at the other end.
66 - GOAL! Telford 1-0 Southport. A great cross from White finds Amari Morgan-Smith, who takes a touch before poking past Handford. Very well taken by the Bucks' No.9. He'll be hoping that is the start of a rich vein of form in front of goal.
72 - A let-off for Telford. Southport substitute Jason Gilchrist heads wide at the far post. That's a surprising miss as Gilchrist was the top scorer in the division last campaign, with 26 goals
Teams
Telford (4-4-2): Bramley; White, Streete, Sutton (c), Morley (Sears, 69); Cowans, Deeney, McQuilkin (Royle, 69), Knights; Morgan-Smith, Udoh (Brown, 84)
Subs not used: Dawson, Martinez (gk)
Southport (4-4-2): Handford; Richards, Langley, Astles, Priestley; Osborne (Morgan, 58), Lynch, Lowe, Green (Charles, 58); Sampson, Phenix (Gilchrist, 71)
Subs not used: Mueller, Winnard
Referee: Lewis Smith (Lancashire)
Attendance: 1,274
