Southport defender Chris Doyle admitted that they could’ve come away against Brackley Town with three points.
The Port defender opened his account for the season with a well-taken goal just two minutes into proceedings after combining with Tyler Walton.
Going into the contest, Southport were in the final play-off position whilst the Saints sat top of the National League North.
Roger Johnson’s side came from behind and went on to lead thanks to goals from Callum Stead and James Armson.
However, Declan Evans’ header in the dying embers was enough to claim a point.
“The boys are looking in good form and if you look in the dressing room, we’re a bit sickened, we could’ve won at the end,” the 27-year-old told Off The Park. “We really gave it to Brackley, I think on a different day we win the game.
“It’s good, we don’t get carried away. We take each game as it comes, there’s a few difficult ones – a few Newcastle aways. We take each week as it comes.
MATCH REPORT: Southport 2-2 Brackley Town: Port rue missed chances in Saints draw
“How good is that to say? Southport taking on top of the league and disappointed not to win.
“Like any game, we believe we can win. There is a few tough games but as we seen today, on our day we can match any team.”
After a difficult start to the campaign for both Doyle and Southport, both have hit form. Liam Watson rotated his squad in recent weeks after a hectic period.
For Doyle, he started consecutive games and on Tuesday opened his account for the season after just two minutes.
“I just seen that Ty was free, I knew he was going to nod it down and I only had one thing in my mind and that was to smash it as hard as I could. So yeah, lucky it went in,” he added on his goal.
In second-half stoppage time, he could’ve doubled his account for the season after he was picked out by Josh Hmami.
However from a tight angle, he couldn’t squeeze past Danny Lewis, who was quick to smother the danger.
He continued: “My eyes lit up but the ‘keeper did well to be fair, that’s what I’m going to tell myself, just couldn’t get it past him.”
On the eve of the Saints’ visit, Marcus Carver was recalled from his loan by parent club Scunthorpe United.
He arrived at Haig Avenue on a temporary basis as he looked to regain full fitness and confidence after a difficult spell with injuries.
Doyle moved to praise the quality within the squad and move forward in his absence. He said: “He done what he set out to do, boosted morale, got his game time, a couple of goals.
“There’s enough quality in our dressing room to crack on, get the wins and points without him.”
[Featured image: Julia Urwin – Southport FC]
