Southport slay the Tigers as Marcus Carver and Danny Lloyd crucial in Hyde United win
Southport booked their place in Monday's FA Cup draw after a 2-1 win over Hyde United.
Southport avoided an upset in the FA Cup as they saw off Hyde United in a 2-1 win.
Marcus Carver and Danny Lloyd were on target for the Sandgrounders but they were forced to navigate a nervy conclusion after a superb effort from Jordan Scanlon late on.
However, Jim Bentley’s side held on as they ended their barren run in the competition, following elimination in the Second Round Qualifying for consecutive seasons.
It was a deserved lead for the hosts after making a strong start against the Northern Premier League opposition. The Port forward was in the right place at the right time to open his account for the campaign as he found the back of the net with a back-heel.
After neat interplay around the visitors box, Luke Burgess stung the pals of the goalkeeper before Tunde Owolabi challenged the rebound which fell to Carver, who showed no signs of a hangover from his goal drought.
The 30-year-old came agonisingly close moments earlier after blazing over from close-range as Callum Hiddleston’s goal was put under pressure. Owolabi was also searching for his first goal but fizzed an effort wide.
However, Port took their foot off the gas in the second-half allowing Hyde an avenue back into the game. Former Southport striker Connor Heath should’ve levelled after brilliant work from Joe Ashton but the outstretched leg of the forward couldn’t make the desired contact to steer it home.
Despite being second best in the second-half, Southport had the better chances to find the elusive second goal.
Callum Spooner, against his former club and his father in the Hyde dugout, was denied by a reflex save from the visitors shot-stopper.
Moments later, they did double their lead when they were awarded a penalty after the referee deemed Joel Amado handled the ball under the challenge of Carver.
Lloyd stepped up, firing low in off the inside of the post sending Hiddleston the wrong way. Southport thought they were already in the hat for Monday’s third round qualifying draw but there was a glimmer of hope for the Tigers.
The hosts were caught napping from a free-kick, with three minutes of normal time remaining, and substitute Scanlon curled superbly from the edge of the box into the far corner.
Southport weathered a late onslaught from the Nick Spooner’s side to secure their spot in the draw.
Here are the three takeaways from the win.