Once again atrocious weather conditions did nothing to further Yeovil's Championship aspirations in this dull disappointing game. Manager Steve Thompson fielded what could arguably be seen as Yeovil's strongest side with Foster returning up front in place of Jason Eaton.
Southport, despite their lowly position have improved of late, especially in defence and their recent run has seen them unbeaten in nine games prior to the clash with Yeovil. Under new manager Mark Wright Southport had no longer been easy pickings for three points and Wright's old team mate Jan Molby had begged his old mate to not hand Yeovil any favours.
With a gusty wind in their faces Yeovil faced a bit of an onslaught from Southport and although the ball was in the Yeovil half for long periods you never got the feeling that the home side were taking full advantage of their territorial superiority.
Dean Chandler and Wazza incurred the man in black's displeasure with bookings in the first half and Deano will be thankful that Kevan Brown was in his usual impeccable form when after Chandler misjudged a high ball Robert Pell nearly broke clear.
With the wind at their backs Southport were pushing forward for most of the first half but as Tony Pounder commented after the game "You never really felt Yeovil would lose a goal."
As the first half drew to a close Yeovil began to gradually contain the home side's early exuberance and were unlucky not to go ahead when Jamie Pitman failed to thread his shot through a melee of players after Wazza had set up the chance for him.
With the advantage of the wind now behind them Yeovil started the second half full of confidence and duly went in front in the 50th. minute.
After last weeks gifts the visitors were to be handed another. With Fozzi beavering around in his usual style he forced Dickinson into a poor back pass to the keeper. His kick went straight to Fozzie who gratefully accepted the gift to give Yeovil the lead.
Southport were stung into action by the goal and started to pepper Yeovil with a series of high crosses but they all failed to cause any major damage to Yeovil's goal. It finally took another defensive mistake to settle this game but the source of the mistake was rather surprising: Dream Team star Terry Skiverton had been having his usual faultless game when he uncharacteristically lost control of a bobbling ball. Quick as a flash Lee Elam took control and rounded Tony Pennock for one of his easiest goals of the season.
As the game drew to a close Thommo made a few changes to freshen things up a bit with Pounder coming on for Glen Poole, Paul Tisdale for Ben Smith and Jason Eaton fo Fozzie.
With Southport trying desperately to find the inspiration for the winner it was in fact Jason Eaton who could so nearly have tied things up. His lively run down the right saw him with a clear shot at goal but the Southport keeper managed to save his weak shot.
And so ended a rather dull affair which Yeovil will feel they should probably have won. After all Southport are fourth from bottom. Once again the weather had played it's part and Yeovil will feel now that with a couple of home games to come they must keep the pressure on with maximum points from these home games.
Report by 'Fat Harry' of Clarion 2000
Results and updated table
