A lovely summers day saw an excellent performance from The Sandgrounders coming out 2-1 winners against EFL Crewe Alexandra.

Two superb first half goals from Arthur Gnahoua in the 40th minute and Luke Burgess on the stroke of half time saw the home side deservedly go into the break with a 2-0 lead.

The two great goals were nearly eclipsed when a shot from Danny Lloyd rattled the crossbar in the 50th minute for what would have been an early contender for Goal Of The Season!

A number of changes disrupted the rhythm midway through the second half but Southport always looked dangerous on the break.Crewe did pull a goal back from the penalty spot in the 78th minute as their late pressure paid dividends and they got the goal they deserved but Southport held on for the win.

No goals conceded from open play, just the two penalties in three games and Neil was a happy man when he spoke to Rob after the game.

New-look side take EFL scalp

SOUTHPORT 2 CREWE ALEXANDRA 1

SOUTHPORT claimed the scalp of League Two Crewe to the delight of new boss Neil Danns.

The Sandgrounders’ new look side – Danns has just added striker Jordan Slew to make it 13 summer signings – impressed as first-half goals from Arthur Gnahoua and Luke Burgess sealed victory.

Danns, who managed Macclesfield to promotion from Northern Premier League West, said: “I was pleased because it was a really good test and this is the level we want to play at.

“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves.

“We won’t be celebrating like we’ve won the World Cup, this is just the start.”

This was the first home fixture for new owners David Cunningham and Kieran Malone but other commitments kept them away.

Danns praised the owners, who completed their purchase of the club in early June, adding: “When I met the owners, it was obvious where they are trying to take the club. They have been fantastic backing me.

“I am an ambitious young manager and this is my first job in National League North. It is a good challenge and aligns with the trajectory of my career.” It was hard to believe this was a new team because they played as though they had been together for years.

Danns said: “I did a lot of research because it was about finding not only the right players but the right characters to take the club to a higher level as they have to match my ambition.”

It was a test as Crewe had won all five of their previous friendlies, including beating Birmingham 4-0. They played a side containing a mixture of first-team regulars, squad players and youngsters.

Southport were lively from the start and created some clear-cut chances before taking a 40th-minute lead through Gnahoua, who cut in from the right before drilling a shot low into the far corner.

Gnahoua, 33, who has played in the north-west for Bolton and Morecambe, was at Southport on non-contact terms for a spell last season but has impressed Danns to earn a one-year deal.

Southport doubled their lead on the stroke of halftime when Momodou Touray produced a great touch to set up Burgess, who curled a fabulous shot to the left of keeper Sam Waller.

Danny Lloyd’s dipping effort early in the second half hit the bar as Southport continued to impress, Crewe halved the deficit with 12 minutes left when Tom Moore conceded a penalty after clumsily clattering into Adrien Thibaut and Wales Under-21 international Calum Agius fired home.