On this day in 1998 Southport faced Winsford United in the FA Trophy. Having never before progressed beyond the last 16 in the competition, few would have believed that this was to be the start of one of the most remarkable cup runs the club has ever had, resulting in a trip to the famous twin towers of Wembley.

Inspirational player-manager Paul Futcher, who had only missed one of Southport’s previous 26 games, was forced to sit the game out through suspension due to the postponement of the previous weekends fixture at Yeovil.

SOUTHPORT 3 – 0 WINSFORD UNITED

Stadium: Haig Avenue
Competition: FA Trophy / 1
Date: 10/01/1998
Attendance: 996

Southport Line-Up: Billy Stewart, Phil Bolland, Andy Farley, Tim Ryan, Phil Horner, Dave Thompson, Ged Kielty, Brian Butler, Kevin Formby, Andy Whittaker, Brian Ross,  
Subs: David Gamble (Kevin Formby), Paul Jones (Tim Ryan), Paul Mitten (Andy Whittaker), 
Goals: Brian Butler, Brian Ross, David Gamble,