With a place in the Buildbase FA Trophy quarter-finals at stake, Gary Johnson’s side head north to take on Southport at Haig Avenue.
Despite hovering towards the bottom in the division below, non-League’s premier knockout competition has proven to be a breath of fresh air for The Sandgrounders. Having denied United a last-eight berth back in 2009, the National League North side will be hoping history repeats itself tomorrow.
Who’s The Boss?
Liam Watson is enjoying his third spell in charge of the Port, with the former Preston and Accrington player having presided over more than 500 games from the dugout. Conference North winners during his two previous stints at the Port, Watson repeated the feat at AFC Telford, and although there is no doubting his credentials, a fourth title may be out of the question this time around.
How have they been doing?
With the club firmly entrenched in mid-table when the points-per-game method was called into play last spring, the Merseyside-based outfit would have been looking at making a more concerted play-off push this term.
After three wins and a draw in their opening five fixtures, they have tasted success just once since, although the side roused themselves magnificently during their previous Trophy outing, having secured a surprise 2-1 win at United’s divisional rivals FC Halifax Town to set up tomorrow’s tie.
Player to watch
27-year old Marcus Carver will be looking to call open recent happy memories of facing Torquay, with the Blackburn-born frontman having registered the only goal of the game when Chorley secured a 1-0 home vistory over The Gulls last season.
Having begun his career at Accrington in 2011, productive loan spells at the likes of Marine and Barrow prompted a permanent move to Jamie Vermiglio’s Magpies, where he departed last summer following four successful years at Victory Park. Carver has already signalled his intent during the opening months of 2020/21, and leads the way in terms of both goals and assists for the team so far.
Played For Both
Former Everton youngster Mick O’Brien returned towards his Liverpool roots in January 2001, with a loan spell at promotion-chasing Southport providing the midfielder with a welcome distraction from parent club Torquay’s battle to retain their Football League status.
His two-year stay at Plainmoor was not without its highlights though, with his 1999/2000 opening day winner at Shrewsbury sealing a perfect debut for the club, whilst his stunning free-kick for Wes Saunders’ side in the FA Cup 3rd draw at QPR has continued to live long in the memory of the Yellow Army present on that winter afternoon at Loftus Road.
Right-back Ryan Higgins is another notable player to have proven popular with supporters during stints with both clubs, prior to his unfortunate retirement from the game three years ago.
Previous Encounter
A late intervention from Ruairi Keating saw The Gulls secure a crucial away 2-1 win in their relegation six-pointer at Haig Avenue in March 2017. Having taken the lead thanks to Luke Young’s first-half strike, Jim Stevenson’s reply just after the break saw Kevin Nicholson’s side pegged back.
With the clock ticking down towards a draw that neither side wanted, it was left to substitute Keating to register his first goal for the club in perfect style, with his injury-time effort providing his team with added impetus towards another last-gasp relegation escape.
Livestream access for this fixture can be purchased for £9.99 via Southport’s website here.
Torquay United will also be providing commentary of the encounter via Official TUFC Radio here.
Buildbase FA Trophy | Southport v Torquay United | 06/02/21 3pm KO