Southport slumped to their seventh successive defeat after Ashley Hemmings inspired Kidderminster Harriers.
The striker opened the scoring after just 23 seconds before rounding off the scoring 13 minutes from time after Amari Morgan-Smith headed home from close range to restore their lead. Charlie Oliver equalised from the penalty spot but it wasn’t enough for the Sandgrounders as Russ Penn’s side asserted their playoff credentials.
It was a nightmare start for Liam Watson’s side as the former Wolverhampton Wanderers trainee cut inside and fired home off the inside of the post.
Southport, who were three points clear of the relegation zone before a ball was kicked, went close to equalising through Connor Heath but Christian Dibble saved well with his feet.
Morgan-Smith almost doubled the visitors’ lead after breaking in behind the Port defence only to drag his shot wide of the post.
Hemmings cut inside and fired goalwards but Tony McMillan pushed the danger away.
McMillan then made a crucial save to deny Morgan-Smith after racing onto Adam Anson’s backpass keeping the deficit down to one.
Oliver dragged the hosts level from the penalty spot as he nestled his effort from 12 yards into the top left corner passed the despairing Dibbert. Anson, the Southport captain, was hauled down in the box shortly before the hour mark.
A draw would’ve been enough to cement the Yellows’ place in the National League North next season with results going in their favour.
However, with 20 minutes remaining on the clock, they were behind once again. An inswinging corner was diverted high in the air before was Morgan-Smith was on hand to head home.
Just seven minutes later the points were heading back to the Aggborough Stadium when Hemmings headed beyond McMillan after Joe Leesley danced to the byline and clipped towards the backpost.
Southport remain three points above the bottom four going into the final game of the season against already-relegated Leamington. They have an eight-goal advantage on goal-difference but it would take a severe capitulation to see Port slip into the Northern Premier League.
Match Stats:
Southport 1-3 Kidderminster Harriers
Goals: 59′ Charlie Oliver (p); 1′, 77′ Ashley Hemmings, 70′ Amari Morgan-Smith
HT/FT: 0-1/1-3
