Late drama at Haig Avenue as Southport lose two-goal lead
Southport were left to rue missed chances after letting a 2-0 half-time lead slip to Spennymoor Town, the visitors salvaging a 2-2 draw thanks to a late brace from Glen Taylor at Haig Avenue.
The hosts struck first midway through the first half when Malakai McKenzie broke clear on a swift counter and finished low past Spennymoor keeper Matt Urwin. Southport doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time when Adam Moseley capitalised on a defensive mix-up, rounding Urwin to make it 2-0.
- First-half: Southport opened the scoring through McKenzie, then added a second via Moseley just before the interval.
- Second-half: Spennymoor fought back; Taylor struck a spectacular goal with around 16 minutes left and later converted a penalty deep in stoppage time to level the scores.
- Key performers: Matt Urwin produced a number of strong saves for Spennymoor; Douglass Lukjanciks was called into action for Southport.
Spennymoor began the match well and gave Southport plenty to think about in the opening exchanges. Danny Johnson teed up Taylor on the edge of the area early on; the number nine's first-time effort flew narrowly wide. Jack Young and Matty Dolan also tested the hosts, while Urwin was forced into a couple of smart interventions to keep the game level in the early stages.
Despite that pressure it was Southport who took the lead on 19 minutes. A brisk counter saw McKenzie slide through, evade a late challenge from Jack Jenkins and coolly round Urwin to open the scoring. The visitors continued to probe but were undone at the end of the first half when a clearance rebounded off a Spennymoor player into the path of Moseley, who reacted quickly to beat the keeper and send the home crowd in at half-time buoyant.
Spennymoor, managed by Jason Ainsley, came out looking for a route back into the contest. Taylor had a long-range effort blocked and Danny Johnson's low attempt from a tight angle was denied by Southport keeper Douglass Lukjanciks. The visitors kept pressing and were rewarded late on when Taylor produced a spectacular strike that cannoned in just below the stanchion to make it 2-1 with approximately 16 minutes remaining.
"A late brace from Glen Taylor saw Moors come back from 2-0 down to rescue a point at Haig Avenue against Southport."
As the match entered injury time the tension mounted. Spennymoor were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time and Taylor stepped up to slot home, completing the comeback and denying Southport all three points.
The game featured a number of notable moments for both sides. Southport came close to increasing their advantage before half-time when Jordan Slew’s cross found Rhys Healey and Urwin produced a fine save to deny a half-volley. For Spennymoor, early crosses and quick combinations, particularly involving Dolan and Taylor, repeatedly tested the hosts' rearguard.
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Haig Avenue |
| Final score | Southport 2 - 2 Spennymoor Town |
| Southport scorers | Malakai McKenzie, Adam Moseley |
| Spennymoor scorers | Glen Taylor (2, including penalty) |
For Southport, the result will be a disappointment after a solid first-half display. The home side created clear openings and took their chances when they arrived, but could not withstand a late Spennymoor surge. The visitors will take heart from their resilience and the character shown to claw back from two down.
Both teams head away from Haig Avenue with something to build on: Southport for periods of attacking fluency and possession control, Spennymoor for their late composure and finishing under pressure. The draw leaves questions for the hosts about game management in the closing stages, while Ainsley’s men will see the point as reward for persistence.
Expect both clubs to reflect on the finishing and defensive details from this one as they prepare for the next round of National League North fixtures.
