SOUTHPORT 1, ALDERSHOT TN 1

ALDERSHOT Town extended their unbeaten National League run to six games with this draw at Haig Avenue on Saturday, but that was not good enough for manager for Gary Waddock.

Responding to the suggestion that his team had been flat and somewhat below-par for part of the game, Waddock said: “I thought we were flat for 95 minutes. It’s good to go on a little run, but three points from the last three games is not what we’re after. You accept a point away from home, but I’d much rather be winning games than drawing them.

“We didn’t give our away fans enough to cheer about. It was a lacklustre performance and that’s not the way we want to play. I didn’t see our energy or pressurising of the opposition – the players haven’t worked hard enough today, but they will be next week on the training ground, that’s for sure.”

After taking a single point from both Chester and Boreham Wood, Aldershot made a lethargic start against a resurgent Southport. Steve Burr, the Merseyside club’s new manager, made seven changes from Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat to Barrow and gave debuts to three players signed less than 24 hours before kick-off.

The galvanised Sandgrounders dominated the first half, but although inspired by the excellent Jamie Allen and James Caton, largely failed to capitalise on their possession.

Instead, Matt McClure wasted three good chances for the Shots, including a drive into the advertising hoardings with just the goalkeeper to beat.

As Southport became more penetrative, Jake Cole saved well from Liam Nolan’s long-range drive and, just before half-time, Anthony Straker cleared Andrai Jones’ shot off the line during a goalmouth scramble.

The second half found Aldershot in livelier mood and the game more open, but genuine chances – or perhaps clinical finishing – still proved elusive.

Charlie Walker’s 25-yard free-kick was well parried by Southport’s Magnus Norman, playing his first game on loan from Fulham. Then, on 71 minutes, Southport snatched the lead.

Jordan Lussey was strong in midfield and found James Gray on the right. The striker was allowed to run into the penalty area and as Straker backed off, he fired a shot across Cole into the bottom corner.

However, as at Boreham Wood four days previously, Aldershot responded well to adversity. Straker brought a fine save from Norman at the end of a sweeping counter-attack.

The equaliser followed on 79 minutes. Will Evans won the ball back inside his own half and as Jake Gallagher sent Shamir Fenelon streaking down the right, Evans continued his run into the six-yard box and sidefooted Fenelon’s cross past Norman.

Southport came close to securing a much-needed win in the final minutes. Ashley Grimes’ shot on the turn was blocked by Cole’s legs and Allen hooked a 20-yard volley which Cole superbly tipped over the bar.

Other managers may have been relieved at having escaped with a point, but Waddock is a hard task master and clearly expected more of his side.

Southport: Norman; Higgins, Thompson, Howe, Moseley; Jones, Lussey (Weeks 85), Nolan, Caton; Gray (Grimes 77), J Allen. Subs (not used): White, Cofie, Crump. Booked: Lussey.

Aldershot: Cole; Alexander, Evans, Reynolds, Straker; Fenelon, Gallagher, Conroy (I Allen 55), Wakefield; McClure, Rendell (Walker 67). Subs (not used): Arnold, Saville, Smith. Booked: Gallagher.

Referee: Anthony Backhouse.

Attendance: 772 (103 away).Aldershot are home to Gateshead, currently tenth in the table, this Saturday.