The match was not one of good passing and creative football, but the home side still managed to create several chances that could have seen them in the lead at half-time. The Daggers nearly got a dream start through Jason Broom when he got down the left to hit a first time cross which curled inadvertantly towards goal, and the keeper only just recovered to stop the ball beating him at the far post. Mark Janney had several chances to score as well, and almost set up a goal when he ran down the sing and crossed only for the whole defence and attack to miss the ball completely. Janney could have scored for himself when he ran across the pitch and past several defenders before getting into the box and trying to beat one too many when a shot would have been better, the ball running out for a goal kick. Janney had a similar chance later on when he ran through on the left but put a weak low shot at the keeper. Jason Broom had a long shot from about 30 yards which dipped just over and Broughton could have scored when the ever-involved Janney crossed, but his header was high and wide. Broughton also had a great shot from the right wing, about 25 yards out, flash just past the post with the keeper helplessly diving to his left and not getting near it. Southport battled well but did not create any chances to speak of, but this didn't stop them taking the lead on 39 minutes, through a freak goal. A free kick 30 yards out on the right was crossed high into the box, but the direction of the kick was wayward, and the ball caught on the wind and floated over Roberts' head and into the far top corner. Roberts was in action again moments later when he made a good low save from a 6 yard shot.

The second half was more even chances-wise but the Daggers lacked creativity when it was needed and Southport looked solid to hold on for 3 points. Southport had a couple of good shooting opportunities when they broke but both were sent well wide of the goal. The only threat the Daggers seemed to be able to muster wsa from corners, especially when Keen went up, and Haworth and Forbes got in amongst the defence. Forbes indeed had several chances from various corners, but before this was a blatant penalty that the referee failed to see. As the cross came in, Keen went up for the header and the defender punched the ball away to Forbes, who could only put his shot into a wall of defenders. Matt Jones had a half-chance when the ball dropped onto his foot from 30 yards and he hit a powerful volley which unfortunately lacked any direction. Paul Terry had the worst attempt of the match though, when from a 20 yard free kick he put the ball about 20 yards over with a poor chip-shot. Forbes nearly got the equaliser from another corner when the ball was met by him at the far post, but he headed against the angle and the dissappointment was evident on his face. Mark Keen was placed up front for the final part of the match but never really threatened against defenders taller than even him, and the Daggers lacked ideas as the match wore on. They were nearly caught out when a left wing cross was met by an unmarked forward but he headed wide from 3 yards at the near post. Danny Shipp had visions of Peterborough when he cut inside and smashed a shot on goal, but it was straight at the untroubled keeper.

D & R: Tony Roberts, Steve Heffer, Lee Matthews (Matt Jones), Mark Keen, Ashley Vickers, Mark Janney, Paul Terry, Steve Forbes, Jasom Broom, Paul Cobb (Danny Shipp), Drewe Broughton (Rob Haworth). Subs not used: Tim Cole, Junior McDougald.

Man of the Match: Steve Forbes tackled when it mattered and never gave up, working hard in midfield.