MATCH VERDICT: FC Halifax Town 1-2 Southport

Adam Anson struck the winner for the National League North side after Jack Earing had cancelled out George Newell's opener.

After three pitch inspections, the game went ahead at a rain-soaked Shay, but the FA Trophy has again turned out to be a damp squib for The Shaymen, who did more than enough to win, but not for the first time this season, were left to regret some wasteful finishing.

Town's recent history with lower-league clubs isn't great - think Halesowen and South Shields - and Southport's early goal raised the possibility they could add themselves to that list.

David Morgan did well to work some space before his dinked cross was nodded in by Newell.

It was too easy from Town's perspective, and it's now 15 games without a clean sheet for The Shaymen.

But Town went on to dominate the rest of the first-half.

Goalkeeper Anthony McMillan raced off his line to intercept the ball as Earing threatened to equalise, before Lewis Mansell's shot was then cleared in-front of the goal-line.

A free header was then put way off target moments later by the hosts.

Superb play by the impressive Kieran Green then released Earing behind the Southport defence, and he rounded the keeper before just about squeezing the ball home from a tight angle.

Jack Doyle's badly miscued clearance crashed off his own bar before the follow-up shot was somehow blocked.

Jeff King's left-footed strike then also hit the bar, with Town doing everything but taking the lead.

There were several other nearly moments for Halifax, who were aided by Southport's open approach.

The visitors played with three up-front and, while lacking Town's extra touches of quality and composure, played with spirit and adventure.

Green was at the heart of all that was good about Town, playing with real energy and enthusiasm, constantly getting on the ball and picking out the right pass, while Earing's forward runs caused Southport problems.

More than once, Town got in-behind the visitors' defence but lacked the perfect final pass. But their approach play was delightful at times.

Both teams were playing the conditions as well as each other, with the rain bouncing down and the wind swirling round The Shay.

The score remained at 1-1 despite chances at both ends in an open contest.

Earin's shot was saved one-on-one after a lovely through ball before Green headed wide unmarked.

Jordan Archer's shot was then parried away by Sam Johnson at the other end.

As the rain dried out, the chances dried up as the second-half went on.Town got sloppier and lost their momentum and Southport grew more confident.

So it wasn't a complete surprise when Anson turned in the box and drove the ball high into the net from an acute angle, with Town again ruing some slack defending.

Town's earlier verve and freshness had disappeared, washed away in the evening rain.

King had a shot turned behind from an angle moments after Anson's goal, before the game fell into a pattern of Southport protecting their lead and a disjointed Town trying to inject some urgency into their play.

Southport were now defending deep but defending diligently, not giving anything away and making The Shaymen really work for any chances.

Town hit the bar again in added time from a shot at a tight angle, but couldn't break Southport down for a second time.

Halifax: Johnson, Byrne, Maher, Bradbury (Belehouan 62), King, Summerfield, Woods (Allen 62), Earing, Green, Senior (Tear 73), Mansell. Subs not used: Davison-Hale, Williams, Crane, Benn.

Scorer: Earing (20)

Shots on target: 6

Shots off target: 13

Corners: 6

Southport: McMillan, Oliver, Ali, Anson, Bainbridge, Morgan, Benjamin, Doyle (Vassallo 53), Watson, Newell (Woods 73), Archer. Subs not used: Hanford, Carver, Challiner

Scorers: Newell (10), Anson (68)

Shots on target: 7

Shots off target: 3

Corners: 7

Referee: Martin Woods

Town man of the match: Kieran Green. A bundle of energy, supplied some excellent through balls and could have scored more than once.