Southport beat Southend United 3-2 on Saturday in a match that shifted decisively in a four-minute spell midway through the second half.
The home side led at the break through Chris Sze, who put Southport ahead on the half-hour. The goal gave them a platform they largely deserved, controlling territory and limiting Southend to little of consequence in the opening period.
The visitors responded after the restart and drew level through Charley Kendall on 53 minutes, a blow that briefly suggested Southend had found their way back into the contest. Two minutes later, Jack Bridge restored Southport's lead, and from that point Southend struggled to recover any momentum. The speed with which Southport went back in front appeared to knock the wind from the travelling side.
Kendall equalised again on 75 minutes to make it 2-2, and for a quarter-hour the result appeared genuinely open. Southend pressed for a winner but left themselves exposed at the back. Chris Renshaw punished them in stoppage time, finishing off a move that ended the match as a contest.
Southport showed the greater composure when the game tightened. Their ability to score promptly after conceding twice was the defining feature of the afternoon. Southend will reflect on a spell after the hour mark where they gave up possession too readily and allowed the home side to dictate terms when it mattered most.
Recap generated from the event timeline. Editorial team review by request. How we use AI.
