Southport progressed into the semi-final of the Co-operative Challenge Trophy, dominating the match as the semi-final match against Leigh RMI now looms.

Rossendale took a suprise lead on ten minutes when a Phil Eastwood collected the ball on the edge of the area, shooting low through a crowd of players leaving Steve Drench late in seeing the ball as it sailed beyond him into the net. Southport drew level within 60 seconds as a Mark Duffy right-wing free kick went through to Michael Powell at the back post who headed the ball home from close range.

Southport continued to threaten the Rossendale goal as Mark Duffy struck a 30 yard shot just over the bar, and Tony Gray had three successive chances on goal, all thwarted as his final touch failed to hit the target.

Both teams continued to show their intent with progressing in the competition with Joe Booth whipping in a ball from the left wing to Andrew Watson who was unlucky to see his header go over the bar. Tony Gray continued his threat as he crashed a shot against the bar as he worked space for himself well in the area just before the break.

Southport took the lead early in the second half as Mark Duffy worked the ball into the box from the right wing, where Tony Gray had advanced to head the ball into the top right corner of the goal. Two minutes later, Gray was offered the chance to advance the score-line further from a similar move, but this time the header went just over the target. As Southport turned the screws, Rossendale just had to weather the storm, as Duffy caused problems down the right channel, whipping in a low ball to Karl Noon, whose sliding shot was cleared off the line by a defender, and away for a corner.

Southport were given a glorious chance to add to their lead as Karl Noon was fouled in the box by Joe Booth, with Mark Duffy striking the penalty kick over the bar. The game was delayed for five minutes as the referee pulled up with a hamstring injury, with the delay caused as a substitute official changed into his kit.

Neil Robinson was introduced into the action, causing problems for the Rossendale defence, as he headed a close-range low header from Prince’s cross straight to Bracey, with the ball bouncing off the keeper, going away to safety.

Tony Gray assured his team’s passage into the semi-final with a well executed finish tight on the left wing as he surged to the bye-line, slotting the ball home yards from the line. Liam Blakeman had the chance to add a fourth goal moments later as he worked himself forward, dancing around three defenders, only to mis-fire his shot just wide of the target.

Deep into stoppage time, Rossendale sneaked a goal back as the hard-working Joe Booth turned himself in the Southport box, firing on the turn to get the ball home past Steve Drench.