The Bucks will hope it's treats, not tricks, as they make the Halloween journey to Merseyside to face Southport FC in the Enterprise National League North on Saturday, 31st October. They will be eager to record a victory to cement a largely positive October and back-to-back wins after their midweek victory at Hereford, and propel themselves further up the league table. The fixture could also mark a milestone for Bucks midfielder Remi Walker; if boss Kevin Wilkin selects him, Remi will make his 150th appearance for the club since his debut in 2023. The Sandgrounders will have a new manager in their dugout, with former Runcorn Linnets and Chester boss Calum McIntyre confirmed on Thursday afternoon. Their midweek home fixture against Macclesfield was postponed after Storm Boelo damaged their Haig Avenue stadium, but they hope the storm clouds, both real and metaphorical, are a thing of the past as they begin life under their third manager in a challenging season so far.
Last Season
The two meetings between the sides in the 2025/26 season were better for the Sandgrounders, who took four points from Kevin Wilkin's men. The first meeting was at SEAH Stadium in early December. Remi Walker put the Bucks ahead, but Malakai McKenzie levelled, and Chris Sze put the visitors ahead. The Bucks put in a strong second-half effort, and a Matty Stenson penalty meant the sides claimed a point each in a 2-2 draw. The season's second meeting came on the season's final day. With an early kick-off and both sides safe but also unable to claim a play-off place, the end-of-season feel was palpable, and goals from Jordan Slew and Ben Collins gave the hosts victory. The Sandgrounders ended the campaign in 14th place, on 60 points, 3 positions and 5 points shy of the Bucks' 11th-placed finish.
Recent Form
Southport heads into the weekend in 23rd place with 10 points from 13 matches. A record of 2 wins, 4 draws and seven defeats so far has seen them seek a change of fortune, with changes at the helm at Haig Avenue. Neil Danns, who took the Sandgrounders to a mid-table finish and an FA Trophy semi-final in his debut season, stepped down and was replaced by Mark Duffy; however, he too has left the hot seat, and in controversial circumstances. With Calum McIntyre now leading the Sandgrounders, they will be aiming to climb out of the division's basement. With 13 goals scored and 23 conceded for a -10 goal difference, McIntyre will seek improvement at both ends of the pitch, although they recorded their first clean sheet in 13 attempts when drawing at previously in-form King's Lynn Town last weekend. The Sandgrounders' two victories to date both came at Haig Avenue, against Bedford Town (4-1) and Morecambe (2-1). Their biggest defeat came in a 'coast-to-coast' clash at Scarborough Athletic in late August, when they lost 5-1; other losses have been much closer but clearly more frequent than desired, and McIntyre will look for an immediate reaction to keep his side from getting dragged into a real dogfight. Top Scorers: Daniel Ogwuru - 3 Luke Burgess, Malakai McKenzie, Adam Moseley - 2 each Luke Griffiths, Teddy Lavelle, Jordan Slew, Sol Solomon - 1 each
Facing the Bucks
Southport’s goalkeeping department blends youth and experience. Solomon Honor (1) is on a season-long loan from Manchester United, having previously come through the academies of Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers before gaining senior experience with Clitheroe and Atherton Collieries. Alongside him is club stalwart Tony McMillan (13), a veteran who has made over 300 appearances since joining Southport in 2008 and now combines playing duties with goalkeeping coaching. Completing the goalkeeping group is Douglass Lukjanciks (27), a highly rated youngster on loan from Everton who arrives as part of his professional development programme. In defence, the Sandgrounders similarly blend experienced campaigners with promising young talent. Dan Pike (2) previously played for Dundalk after spells with Tranmere Rovers, AFC Fylde and Blackburn Rovers, while Dylan Dwyer (3) stepped up impressively after joining from Clitheroe. Former Newport County and Morecambe defender Kyle Jameson (5) brings Football League experience, and Max Davies (6) arrives on loan from Blackburn Rovers after featuring for Warrington Rylands. Matty Williams (12) joined from Chester, where he established himself as one of the National League North’s standout defenders, while Harry Flowers (14) returned from Ashton United after previous spells with Alvechurch, Warrington Town and Stafford Rangers. Versatile defender Harry Perritt (15) spent the previous three seasons with Alfreton Town following time with Accrington Stanley and Altrincham, while vice-captain Sam Minihan (22) signed from Buxton after building a strong reputation with Stockport County and FC Halifax Town. Young defender Jules Flanagan (24) has also begun to make an impression at first-team level. The midfield options combine creativity, experience and energy. Ted Lavelle (4) joined from FC Halifax Town after loan spells with Colne, Bradford Park Avenue, Lancaster City and Mossley. Club captain Danny Lloyd (7) returned to Southport after a lengthy professional career that included Stockport County, Peterborough United, Salford City, Tranmere Rovers, Rochdale and Livingston. Luke Griffiths (8) arrived from Macclesfield, having previously featured for Curzon Ashton and Warrington Town. Welsh playmaker Ben Wynne (16) signed after impressing for Flint Town United, while Regan Griffiths (18) brought Football League pedigree from Crewe Alexandra and most recently Macclesfield. Luke Burgess (20) previously played for Oldham Athletic following spells with Wigan Athletic and Salford City, while youngster Alfie Cunningham (23) earned his place after catching the eye in pre-season. Southport’s attack contains a wealth of experience and proven goalscorers. Jordan Slew (9) joined after leaving Morecambe and boasts a CV including Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers, Rotherham United and Plymouth Argyle. Sol Solomon (10) returned to the region after scoring prolifically for Jersey Bulls and later playing for Marine and Tranmere Rovers. Exciting winger Malakai McKenzie (11) previously featured for Chorley, Dalvík/Reynir in Iceland and Avro after beginning with Bolton Wanderers and Bury. Christy Edwards (17) arrived from Wigan Athletic’s academy, while Daniel Ogwuru (19) joined after spells with Manchester City, Norwich City and Morecambe. The club also added Cameron Ferguson (21), who arrived from Bala Town after playing for Newcastle United, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Connah’s Quay Nomads. Further attacking depth comes from Adam Moseley (26), a Wigan Athletic youngster who previously starred for Runcorn Linnets before earning a professional deal, and Rhys Healey (28), arguably the squad’s most high-profile signing. Healey’s career has taken him from Cardiff City and MK Dons to prolific success with Toulouse in France, before later spells with Watford, Huddersfield Town and Barrow.
Officials
Referee: Thomas Wall. Assistant Referee: Alexander Beeley. Assistant Referee: James Gerring. Fourth Official: Adam Boubrahmi.
Colours
Bucks: Shirt: White Shorts: White Socks: White Sandgrounders: Shirt: Amber Shorts: Black Socks: Black
How To Follow The Bucks (if you can't be there, of course!)
If you can’t be at the game, you can follow the events in several ways. The Live Game Centre on our smartphone app and website will have live text updates. Our X feed will also carry text commentary, while our Facebook and Instagram feeds will provide updates on major events, such as team news, goals, the half-time and full-time scores. If you have the app, you’ll receive notifications of every goal, plus half-time and full-time scores. Finally, BBC Radio Shropshire will provide live match commentary on DAB and on the Sounds app. With plenty of options, you can follow the Bucks even when you can’t be there.