Scott McLean’s debut goal wasn’t enough for The Lions as Jordan Archer netted in each half to continue Southport’s unbeaten run at Haig Avenue, read more in our match report sponsored by BuildADrive.com.

On a windswept afternoon in Merseyside at Haig Avenue Southport took the points late on after Archer doubled his tally for the afternoon with five minutes to go.

McLean leveled the scores in the first half with a clinical finish on the end of Dom Tear’s ball forward as The Lions fought back from Archer’s opener.

The wind was having an effect on the game from the off and Southport were taking full advantage of having it behind their backs, a corner was nearly fumbled in by Doug Tharme but Owen Mason was alert to the danger and cleared the ball off of the line.

Southport continued to penetrate the Guiseley box with long throws and corners which did cause problems but on every occasion the visiting defence cleared the danger.

Chances were limited up the other end though, Brad Nicholson’s free kick had to be headed away by Adam Anson.

Shortly after came the opening goal, a cross from deep found the head of Archer and he diverted it right into the corner out of the reach of Mason to open the scoring.

The Lions grew into the game a bit more after the opening goal and Adam Haw had our first effort of the afternoon but it took a deflection and went straight into Cam Mason’s arms.

George Cantrill was next to have a pop but Mason was able to stop the effort.

Archer came so close to doubling his tally with another pinpoint header but Tyler Walton got in the way, Walton then fired over from close range.

It proved crucial for The Lions as Tear picked up possession in midfield before spotting McLean in space, the new signing took the ball down well and slotted past Mason with a shot that came off the post on its way in.

The Lions finished the half the stronger side and nearly went in in front as Haw again showed great movement but Mason saved his shot.

At half-time former Lions goalkeeper Steve Dickinson was inducted into Southport’s Hall of Fame with the stopper a legend at both clubs.

The wind showed no sign of dying down but the visitors struggled to adapt to having it behind their backs in the second 45.

The Sandgrounders had the better of the second half but Mason was rarely tested in goal in a tight second half chances wise.

The Lions best opportunities came from McLean’s corner which Mason had to punch clear but no one was there to sweep in the loose ball.

Nicholson nearly put us in front with a viscous half-volley, it skimmed Haw’s head and flew over the bar.

Southport had the backing of their 1000+ support and they went home happy.

A long ball forward caused Mason to charge off his line but Archer latched onto it to lob the keeper for the winning goal.

The Lions will look to return to winning ways in the league on Saturday when Darlington come to Nethermoor, a trip to Albion Sports on Tuesday night is next up though in the West Riding County Cup.

Attendance: 1401 with 59 travelling fans

Team: 1. Owen Mason, 2. George Cantrill, 3. Brad Nicholson, 4. Prince Ekpolo, 5. Hamza Bencherif (C), 6. Lebrun Mbeka, 7. Scott McLean, 8. Ollie Brown, 9. Adam Haw (87’ Hey), 10. Dom Tear and 11. Thierry Latty-Fairweather.

Subs: 12. Regan Hutchinson, 13. Dec Lambton (GK), 14. Oli Metcalfe and 16. Lewis Hey.