Southport (Away) Match preview 01-02-2014

Iron take to the road this weekend to face a new look Southport side at the Merseyrail Community stadium. After winning their first game of 2014 against Nuneaton, the Sandgrounders could only add one further point when meeting bottom of the table Hyde. They have since gone on to suffer losses against Hereford, Wrexham and Barnet, which has seen them slip to 22^nd place.

Southport manager John Coleman has used the transfer window to shake up his squad, most recently bringing in midfielder Gary O’Neill on loan from Port Vale.  He will be looking to make his home debut at the first opportunity after appearing against Barnet last weekend. Coleman has released Chris Almond and Brie Irie Bi just a day before the end of the window as he looks to turn the clubs fortunes, adding to a host of changes in personnel during the window following his appointment in December.

Having played just one game in January, Iron sit eleven points above Southport with four games in hand. Loan signing Bernard Mensah will be hoping to make his second appearance this weekend after coming on as a substitute in Iron’s only outing against Woking since joining in the current window.

Iron took all three points from the corresponding fixture at the Amlin earlier in the season with a 1-0 win courtesy of a Sean Marks strike. Braintree have found joy at the Merseyrail Community stadium in recent years, having won 2-0 last season, and recording an impressive 4-0 win in the 2011/12 season. Sean Marks will be looking forward to this fixture in particular, having scored five goals in the last five meets between the two sides,  only failing to net in a 0-0 two seasons ago.

Directions:

From the South: Take the M6, and exit at Junction (26) sign posted for the M58. Follow the M58 until junction (3), and take the A570. Stay on the A570 through Ormskirk (one-way), and this will take you, after about 5 miles into the Kew district of Southport. At the roundabout with McDonalds on the left take the third exit, Scarisbrick New Road (A570) you will see the ground on the right, it is situated just past the College (KGV). Turn right at first set of lights into Haig Avenue.

By car: Use Post Code PR8 6JZ for Sat Nav

Admission prices: All admission is by cash only at the turnstiles. No Credit Card payment facility.  Main Stand £15 Concessions £11 Terracing £13.50 Concessions £10

All 12-18 year olds will be admitted for £5.

The ground is segregated for all matches and the away end is an uncovered terrace.
Under 11's accompanied by a paying adult will be admitted free.

Match preview by Chris Pargin