Southport youngsters praised by manager Liam Watson

Manager Liam Watson heaped praise on the younger players in his squad after they helped 10-man Southport earn an important 3-2 win at Woking.

A number of injuries left Watson's squad extremely stretched for the game at Kingfield on Saturday.

He told BBC Radio Merseyside: "We've had five main players who didn't even travel and then Alan Moogan felt his hamstring in the warm-up.

"To see these young lads stand up - they've done remarkably well."

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“I wouldn't say we're miles behind where we were this time last year”

Liam Watson

Watson continued: "Young Charlie Joyce came in for his debut and did fantastic for us. Liam Willis ended up getting sent off early in the second half, but he's done well for us.

"They're coming across a lot of seasoned players, who have played in this league or above year after year."

The victory, Southport's fifth league win of the season, moved the Sandgrounders four points clear of the relegation zone in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

"It's been bumpy but people forget how well we did last season," added Watson. "I wouldn't say we're miles behind where we were this time last year.

"With the youth and athleticism in the squad, I fancy us to come on strong.

"If you'd looked at the last three games - Nuneaton at home, Barrow away and then Woking away - if someone had offered you five points, you would have snapped their hands off. We've got six."