Pitchero Non League

....the Sandgrounders look to get their first league win of the new campaign.

Southport are yet to record a victory in their opening three league matches, drawing with both Grimsby Town and Alfreton Town, before losing at Cambridge United on Saturday.

They currently sit nineteenth in the embryonic league table.

Watson has been utilising a new-look system at Haig Avenue so far. Southport lined up in a 3-4-3 formation at Cambridge, with midfielder Karl Ledsham filling in as a makeshift striker. The ‘Port boss is likely to continue with that system. Watson believes the formation provides plenty of possibilities, tactically, and says it is a good fit for the players at his disposal.

He said: “We’ve been using the 3-4-3 system because I think it is the one best suited to us in terms of our personnel.

“I like the system, and I think there is scope to develop and improve it as well. It’s something I feel has been very positive.”

Southport’s options were limited at Cambridge by the absence of influential forward duo Shaun Whalley and Tony Gray. Both are expected to miss Saturday’s home clash with Tamworth at Haig Avenue, but Watson believes they have the strength in depth to cope in their absence.

“The cover is really good within the squad,” he said. “For example I’ve got Steven Tames who is really making life hard for me.

“He keeps coming on and making a difference, and he is definitely pushing for a start at the moment.

“Then we have Louis Barnes who came on at Cambridge and did really well, and Chris Lynch who has had a really good pre-season but didn’t even get on the pitch on Saturday.

“We have options all over. Our performances have been improving with each game.

“We didn’t start great against Grimsby but we improved against Alfreton and then played well at Cambridge. Had we taken our chances at 0-0, we would have got something from the game I’m sure.”

Watson believes his side will face a stern test as they entertain Tamworth at the weekend.

The Lambs have begun the campaign well, winning two of their opening three matches, including a 1-0 victory over Stockport last time out.

“They’ve done really well,” he said. “They didn’t have a great end to last season – I think they struggled to win a game at all after playing Everton in the FA Cup – but they’ve made some good signings over the summer and they look in better shape now. It is always a good contest when we play against them and it should be so again.

“We’ve been conceding a few too many goals for my liking, I have to admit.

“We need to improve that area, but our general play has been encouraging.”

Tags: News | Southport

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