A scorching drive by Southport's Mikey O'Neill after four minutes left goalkeeper Max Dearnley with no chance of saving. That goal was sufficient to give the visitors all three points, very much against the run of play in this Vanarama National League North encounter (Saturday November 25).
The Bucks enjoyed three-quarters of the possession, orchestrated by skipper Curtis Weston, produced 11 shots at goal and twice had shouts for what looked like bang-on penalties ignored by the referee, who awarded Southport a questionable spot-kick, which was hit wide of the mark.
Well-worked chances by Jordan Burrow, Alex Gibson-Hammond, George Horbury and substitute Sam Osborne went close to rewarding the domination, although Southport were fast on the break and Max Dearnley twice had to be at his best to prevent them adding to their lead. The second Bucks' penalty claim was when Will Bapaga was scythed down in the box during stoppage time. Full Match Report HERE
Bucks' team manager Craig Elliott said: "The officials' decisions cost us dearly, but we got on with it. We deserved to win, created chances, but not enough were clear-cut. Southport sat in deep and I thought both goalkeepers had an easy time.
"We are not consistent enough because we're not getting players on the pitch on a regular basis, through injuries and suspension. We need to get them back. The season will be about the second half, when we've got our lads fit, hopefully. Once we can pick a consistent team, we're good enough."
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