Ben Stephens’ header earned a point for title-hopefuls King’s Lynn Town after Michael Carberry’s first Southport goal was cancelled out.
The former Bootle defender fired in at the second time of asking after forcing Paul Jones into a diving save, 10 minutes into the second-half.
On Tuesday night, Port welcomed Stephen Cleeve’s side as the Walks looked to leapfrog Brackley Town to the top of the National League North.
The first half was largely uneventful until the closing stages when a hopeful cross fell to Oliver Scott who fired high and wide.
Antics from the visiting players and bench riled up the Yellows players adding spark to a dull first 45 but saw Carberry, Jordan Archer and Scott cautioned.
Following the restart, Southport started on the front foot and it was almost an own-goal that put them in front. Joshua Coulson glanced Josh Hmami’s cross only for Jones to spare his blushes as the shot-stopper clawed away the danger.
Shortly after the break, the deadlock was broken. A one-two between Hmami and Carberry allowed the 24-year-old to bear down on goal.
He saw his initial near post effort parried by Jones, the follow-up was challenged by Archer – coming off a King’s Lynn defender – before falling to Carberry who fired home right-footed.
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Chris Doyle almost added a second but couldn’t meet Hmami’s teasing free-kick which flashed across the face of goal.
King’s Lynn fought back and came close through Gold Omotayo but the powerful forward couldn’t test Tony McMillan.
But with 13 minutes left, they were level as Stephens nodded home from six yards, from Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross, making for a nervy finish.
Port were almost handed a golden opportunity, Jack Bainbridge’s through ball wasn’t cleared, Archer ghosted through on the blindside beating Jones to the ball but lost his footing at the vital moment.
The Yellows were forced to settle for a point making it eight points from a possible 18 following a spell of five straight home matches at Haig Avenue.
Match Stats:
Southport 1-1 King’s Lynn Town
Goals: 55′ Michael Carberry; 77′ Ben Stephens
HT/FT Score: 0-0/1-1
