Sticking with the FA Cup theme today we look at two games from the second round. Firstly a “giant killing” away at Mansfield Town in 1998 and then we look back to 1964 for an eventful second round tie against Wrexham.

Remarkably both games featured an inspirational player manager.

MANSFIELD TOWN 1 – 2 SOUTHPORT

Competition: FA Cup / 2
Date: 05/12/1998
Attendance: 3210
Southport Line-Up: Billy Stewart, Scott Guyett, Andy Farley, Phil Horner, Tim Ryan, Brian Butler, Dave Thompson, Kevin Formby, David Gamble, Andy Gouck, Brian Ross,  
Subs: Paul Futcher (Brian Butler), Phil Bolland (Andy Gouck), Lee Furlong (Dave Thompson), 
Goals: David Gamble (Pen), Brian Ross, 

Player manager Paul Futcher came on as a substitute after 24 minutes and, a minute later, David Gamble gave Southport the lead from a penalty. For the rest of the first half, Southport were subjected to relentless Mansfield pressure, but a minute after the break, their defensive resilience paid off with Brian Ross latching on to a poor back-header by a Mansfield defender to land the killer blow for them. Tony Lormor handed Mansfield a lifeline after 72 minutes but Southport, inevitably leaning heavily on Futcher’s experience not to mention the ability of their goalkeeper Billy Stewart, held out for a 2-1 win. 

After such a giant killing performance the club was attracting great publicity and Charlie Clapham and Futch appeared on the live draw for the third round with expectations of a home draw against a top team. Number 63, Southport came out of the hat first to everyone’s delight, could it be Manchester United? No it was Leyton Orient, the feeling of anti-climax was apparent to all but it was a chance to progress further

WREXHAM 2 – 3 SOUTHPORT

Competition: FA Cup / 2
Date: 05/12/1964
Attendance: 6222
Southport Line-Up: Bert Harris, Kevin Cairns, Willie Cunningham, Tony Beanland, Roger Darvell, Arthur Peat, Alex Russell, Les Dagger, Stan Hepton, Alan Spence, Sammy Taylor,  
Subs:   
Goals: Alex Russell (Pen), Alan Spence, Alan Spence,