Southport 0-2 Boston United

The Pilgrims were 2-0 victors over Southport at Haig Avenue - thanks to Ward's 42nd minute opener and Knowles' clincher from the penalty spot six minutes from time.

United were good value for their victory - Southport's fourth successive defeat of the new season - as Ian Culverhouse's side bounced back in style following their midweek reversal to Tamworth.

Culverhouse had made one change ahead of kick-off, with Martin Woods rested, as Kelsey Mooney returned to the starting XI following illness. Dylan Hill was included on the bench for the first time.

United created the first real chance of the game, with Knowles advancing through to drill wide from a tight angle.

Southport responded, with Tom Leak blocking bravely to deny Josh Hnami, while Cameron Gregory saved brilliantly to deny Niall Watson, via a wicked deflection off Michael Bostwick.

The Pilgrims took the lead three minutes before half-time when Knowles picked his pass at the perfect time for WARD to slam home from 12 yards.

There were further chances for both sides before the break - with Gregory and Chris Renshaw denying Finlay Heath and Mooney respectively.

Mooney teed up Knowles after the break, but the resulting shot was high and wide from a tightening angle.

United lost the services of Leak with a tight hamstring on 63 minutes, forcing a reshuffle with Jordan Richards moving into the backline.

Gregory kept out substitute Connor Heath's header from a Jack Doyle cross but the Pilgrims were presented with a golden opportunity to kill off the contest in the 84th minute.

KNOWLES chased a seemingly lost cause down the United right, before interchanging with substitute Hill, only for David Morgan to foul onrushing substitute Woods - and United's number 11 stroked home the resultant spot-kick.

Gregory preserved his clean sheet with a brilliant stop to keep out Adam Anson's glancing header from a Doyle long throw - but the Pilgrims had long since secured all three points.

Southport (4-4-2): Chris Renshaw; Matt Thomson (Keenan Quansah 50), Harry Flowers, Adam Anson, Jack Doyle; Tyler Walton, David Morgan, Finlay Heath, Josh Hnami; Marcus Carver, Niall Watson (Connor Heath 62). Subs (not used): Declan Evans, Freddie Sass, Tony McMillan (gk).

Boston (4-1-2-1-2): Cameron Gregory; Zak Mills, Michael Bostwick, Tom Leak (Martin Woods 63), Brad Nicholson; Jordan Richards; Sam McLintock (Dylan Hill 76), Keziah Martin (Tom Edge 74); Keaton Ward; Kelsey Mooney, Jimmy Knowles. Subs (not used): Michael Gyasi, Jake Lovelace (gk).

Referee: Ollie Noonan.

Attendance: 801 (102 visitors).

PIC: Julia Urwin.