Express & Star

Stourbridge 0 Southport 0

Stourbridge will travel to Southport for a replay after holding the Blue Square North leaders to a goalless draw in the FA Trophy third qualifying round.

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Gary Hackett's men competed well in an even first half but the Sandgrounders gained the upper hand after the break, but the central defensive pairing of Sam Smith and Nathan Bennett stood firm.

Some fine late saves from Stour goalkeeper Stuart Brock ensured a creditable draw for the home side. The first period saw the Glassboys play their way into some threatening positions but struggle to create clear opportunities.

The visitors thought they had scored with 20 minutes played when Robbie Booth struck a low shot that Brock could not hold and Winn turned in the rebound, but was flagged for being in an offside position.

Three minutes later, the home side went desperately close to the opening goal as Aaron Drake delivered a cross from the right that was met by a good downward header from Bennett, but goalkeeper Tony McMillan scrambled to his right to claw the ball away.

As the half wore on, Booth twice threatened the Stourbridge goal in the space of a minute.

In the 34th minute Brock did well to save at the feet of the Southport midfielder who had found space in the box then, shortly afterwards, Booth cut inside from the left past Ben Billingham before striking a low shot that Brock got safely behind.

As half-time approached Chris Simm also flashed a 20-yard shot wide for the Sandgrounders. Southport began to push the Glassboys back after the restart.

But, having repelled the visitors, Stourbridge went close to a goal on 67 minutes as Sean Evans crossed from the left for Drew Canavan to volley inches over the crossbar from the edge of the box.

Southport hit back with Brock producing an excellent reaction save to deny Adam Flynn from a Zac Aley corner. Then with 15 minutes remaining Brock was called into action again with a superb tip over from Winn's drive.

A minute later Booth shot home for the visitors but had ran offside before fastening onto the through pass from Winn. Adam Flynn also hit the bar in stoppage time.

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