Southport ended their AXA FA Cup run in glorious defeat. In an entertaining game the ‘Port players did themselves proud on the pitch, as did their supporters off it. Manager Paul Futcher was only just able to field enough fit players. Having held their own for an hour it was referee John Brandwood who awarded a controversial penalty that shattered the dream and allowed Orient to go on to a fourth round tie against Bristol Rovers. Phil Horner who gave away the penalty felt the referee had been conned after winning the ball cleanly. John Bagnall, deputising for Billy Stewart never got near the penalty. The game was wrapped up 19 minutes from time when Carl Griffiths made it 2-0 to Orient. After the match Futcher said he felt Griffiths had taken a dive for the penalty. Everybody including the Orient fans behind the goal was surprised. It was a very harsh decision.