Two first-half goals earned a share of the spoils between Southport and Boston United after Niall Watson cancelled out Billy Chadwick’s deflected opener.
Both sides played out an eight-goal thriller on the opening day of the season with five of the Sandgrounders‘ goals all coming within an hour, however, their encounter on Tuesday was far from a classic.
The draw extends a similar run for both sides, making it four points from two games following their respective wins over Blyth Spartans.
Although it was a similar situation to seven days prior for the Yellows as they started off slow. The Pilgrims were tentatively knocking on the door as Sam McLintock and Zak Mills had efforts on goal.
The eye-catching Chadwick showed nimble footwork to weave past Southport defenders but his effort destined for the bottom corner was clawed away by Tony McMillan.
The on-loan Hull City forward then came closest as his dipping free-kick from 20 yards rattled the bar with the veteran shot-stopper rooted to the spot.
Connor Heath rose like a salmon to connect with Watson’s superb delivery but the thumping header was lacking direction and an easy save for Cameron Gregory.
READ MORE: ‘Would be unjust’ Liam Watson makes Southport admission after Boston United draw
Before the break, the persistence of Chadwick soon paid off, albeit with a bit of fortune. The 23-year-old danced around the edge of the box to create a yard of space before firing goalwards and wheeling away in celebration.
His effort from outside the box deflected off the midriff of Southport defender Chris Doyle wrongfooting McMillan before nestling into the back of the net.
Falling behind seemingly shocked the hosts into life. Tyler Walton fizzed across the face of goal forcing Gregory to palm away but the former Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper only pushed it as far as Watson who reacted quickly to head into the gaping net.
Moments later, Charlie Munro unleashed a stinging effort but it whistled over the bar.
The second-half brought a much-improved performance from the hosts with the half-time introduction of Dylan Vassallo seemingly sparking the Port into life.
Walton, as he did for the equaliser, ran to the byline before firing across the face of goal but Gregory pawed it away with a much firmer hand.
Heath and the 23-year-old shot-stopper clashed once again when the Southport forward’s glancing header was pushed away with Gregory at full-stretch.
Lirak Hasani had the best chance of the second-half for Ian Culverson’s side but he lashed wide on the counter-attack after Chadwick found the Gateshead loanee unmarked on the right.
The Pilgrims goalkeeper again got the better of the former Nantwich attacker after he powered past his marker at the front-post to head goalwards.
Three points separate the two sides with Southport sitting two positions higher as they look to finish the season strongly in their final 11 matches.
Match Stats:
Southport 1-1 Boston United
Goals: 42′ Niall Watson; 35′ Billy Chadwick.
HT/FT Score: 1-1/1-1
