Boston United 3-0 Southport

The Pilgrims were already well in control by the time Rowe headed home their opener in the 31st minute following Martin Woods' excellent cross from the left.

Firm left-footed finishes from Hazel on 62 minutes and Martin two minutes into stoppage time sealed the deal for Ian Culverhouse's side, with David Morgan red-carded for the visitors midway through the second half.

United had enjoyed plenty of early territory, but found a well-drilled Southport side a tough nut to crack.

Their breakthrough arrived when Brad Nicholson teed Woods up to cross and ROWE got across Festus Arthur to direct his header low to Chris Renshaw's left.

United should have doubled their lead before half-time, but Jimmy Knowles swept Michael Bostwick's inviting cross against the post from close-range.

Southport had chances either side of the break, through Richie Bennett and Jack Doyle, but United remained resolute and doubled their advantage 17 minutes into the half when Woods headed down Nicholson's long throw and HAZEL hooked home his fifth goal in Boston colours.

Morgan, already booked, soon hauled back marauding substitute Deji Sotona to receive a second yellow - leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb.

United sealed the deal in stoppage time when MARTIN waltzed through and cracked home a low drive which squirmed through the grasp of a red-faced Renshaw.

Boston (4-1-2-1-2): Aaron Chapman; Jai Rowe, Michael Bostwick, Tom Leak, Brad Nicholson; Martin Woods; Jordan Richards, Keziah Martin; Keaton Ward (Deji Sotona 65); Jimmy Knowles (Kelsey Mooney 74), Jacob Hazel (Michael Gyasi 75). Subs (not used): Sam Smart, Zak Mills.

Southport (4-4-2): Chris Renshaw; Matt Thomson, Harry Flowers, Festus Arthur, Jack Doyle; Tyler Walton, David Morgan, Danny Philliskirk (Will Russ 85), Luke Burgess (Josh Hnami 71); Richie Bennett (Finlay Heath 71), Marcus Carver. Subs (not used): Keenan Quansah, Tony McMillan (gk).

Referee: James Bancroft.

Attendance: 1,676 (21 visitors).

PIC: Tim Hoff.