Farsley 0 Southport 2

 Southport needed a win to stay hot on the heels of league leaders Fleetwood Town and they did indeed stay second with a victory at Throstle Nest.

Farsley were not in the game to make up the numbers nor were they satisfied to be second best. The Celts kept their visitors out until first-half stoppage time and overcame that setback to force chances after the interval.

“It was always going to be difficult against a side chasing the title but the game could have gone either way,” said Farsley manager Neil Parsley.

“We didn’t get the rub of the green and the timing of their first goal was a body blow. We had two very strong penalty shouts and if we get the second one it could have been 1-1 and game on.

“Southport made the most of that because they are a good side and that’s why they are where they are”

The first penalty claim came when Matty Young went down in the area midway through the first half.

Southport snatched the lead when Steve Daly turned in the area and drilled a shot past Celts keeper Josh Bell.

Early in the second half, Lee Ellington went to ground under pressure from a visiting defender at the far post. The referee showed Ellington a yellow card for his protestations.

The west coast outfit made certain of maximum points when Ciaran Kilheeney broke through the middle of the home defence in the 72nd minute.