Connor Woods opened the scoring for the Sandgrounders on 18 minutes, with ex-Pilgrim Jordan Archer putting the match beyond United's grasp with goals after 24 and 29 minutes.

Dylan Vassallo (49) and Jack Doyle (57) added further misery after the break, before substitute Jordon Crawford scored twice in the 71st and 90th minutes, with Lebrun Mbeka adding a third consolation goal in stoppage time.

With manager Paul Cox serving a one-match touchline ban, United handed debuts to five players from the start. Despite a bright start from the hosts, it was Southport who soon took control.

WOODS got down the side of Mbeka to angle an effort across Rhys Davies and into the net off the inside of the far post.

ARCHER powerfully headed home Charlie Munro's corner six minutes later - and ARCHER added his second five minutes further on after getting on the end of Woods' flick.

Substitute VASSALLO blasted home the fourth just four minutes after half-time, after collecting a lucky ricochet off referee Ben Tomlinson, before DOYLE tapped home number five in the 57th minute following Tyler Walton's driven cross from the right.

United cut the deficit through substitute CRAWFORD following Alex Brown's long throw-in 19 minutes from time.

As the match ticked into the 90th minute, CRAWFORD swept home again following Joe Leesley's headed assist, before MBEKA fired home from close-range after Leesley's corner delivery landed nicely for the Congolese powerhouse.

Boston (3-4-1-2): Rhys Davies; Lebrun Mbeka, Luke Shiels, Joe Leesley; Zak Mills, Tom Platt (Brad Abbott 62), Will Atkinson, Alex Brown; Scott Pollock (Jordon Crawford 46); Jake Wright (Jaanai Gordon 37), Micah Obiero. Subs (not used): Ellis Myles, Ben Pollock.

Southport (3-5-2): Cameron Mason; Keenan Quansah, Adam Anson, Chris Doyle (Dylan Vassallo 18); Charlie Oliver, Connor Woods, Jack Bainbridge, Charlie Munro, Jack Doyle; Jordan Archer (Enock Lusiama 74), Tyler Walton (Michael Carberry 76). Subs (not used): Niall Watson, Tony McMillan (gk).

Referee: Ben Tomlinson.

Attendance: 1,575 (30 visitors).

PIC: Tim Hoff.