Telford prepare to take on Southport at the SEAH Stadium this Saturday.
The Bucks have regularly faced the Sandgrounders over the last two decades, as the sides’ rises and falls have been closely aligned. After a five-year stint at Step 1 in the mid 2010s, Port have largely struggled since returning to the National League North in 2017.
Having finished 18th, 17th and 18th in their last three campaigns, Southport headed into the new season on a wave of optimism. A summer takeover by local businessmen and property developers David Cunningham and Kieran Malone promised a fresh start, with former Palace winger Neil Danns appointed as manager. And after a slow start, the Sandgrounders are starting to build some momentum.
Danns arrived at Haig Avenue after two years as assistant manager at Tranmere Rovers, while he previously guided Macclesfield to the Northern Premier League Division One West title in 2022-23 during a six-month stint as interim player-manager. And Danns quickly set about overhauling the Southport squad this summer. From football league experienced players such as Jordan Slew and Arthur Gnahoua, to up-and-coming youngsters from lower leagues including Dylan Dwyer (Clitheroe) and Malakai McKenzie (Avro), the Sandgrounders squad has a very different look to it this season. Centre back Tom Moore, who survived the cull, was, appropriately enough, appointed captain in the summer.
But perhaps due to all of the changes, Port got off to a very slow start, losing six of their first seven games. Their form slowly started to improve, however, and they have hit their straps in recent weeks, going unbeaten in six league games since the start of November while also seeing off Buxton in the FA Trophy in that time. And that run could well have been extended if their game with Alfreton last weekend hadn’t been postponed.
Southport have now climbed up to 19th, two points behind the Bucks in the table. But Kevin Wilkin’s men have also been in good form and are currently four unbeaten in all competitions. Telford have impressed at the SEAH Stadium too, with the Bucks having a better home record than leaders Fylde. AFC Telford United have tended to struggle at home against the Sandgrounders, though – in 12 games between the sides in Shropshire, the Bucks have won two, drawn five and lost five.
With both sides looking to kick on, the Bucks will be aiming to secure a big three points to climb up the table and keep Southport at arm’s length.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
Tickets are available online in advance, or from the ticket office on matchday. Please note that a £1 admin charge applies for adults and concessions when buying on matchday.