SOUTHPORT 0 CHESTER 1

CONNOR WOODS came back to haunt Southport by scoring the only goal in a tense derby at The Big Help Stadium.

An early chance for the visitors saw Jack Lambert play through Kurt Willoughby in the ninth minute but the striker failed to find the target, blazing over from close range.

Southport responded in the 21st minute when Danny Lloyd dispossessed the Chester backline, driving down the line before finding Will Russ at the back post but the striker couldn’t direct his effort goalwards.

The chance of the half came moments before the end when Kevin Roberts drilled a cross along the box, landing at the feet of Willoughby but again the forward couldn’t convert, scuffing his effort and allowing Keenan Quansah to clear.

The visitors started the second period strongly with changes to their attack.

Port substitute Dior Angus superbly beat Tom Leak to a long ball but his eventual cross was unable to find a yellow shirt.

In the 73rd minute, the deadlock was broken as former Sandgrounder Woods was found at the back post, heading past Chris Renshaw and Port were unable to find an equaliser.

STAR MAN: Connor Woods (Chester)

ENTERTAINMENT: 3/5