THE first league meeting between the local rivals since 2003 ended goalless.

Southport notch their fourth clean sheet of the campaign however are now winless in their last five league matches.

The Sandgrounders’ shot-stopper Chris Renshaw was called into action after just two minutes, rising above the crowd to catch a dangerous Harvey Gregson corner.

Within minutes the home side had a chance of their own after Nat Knight-Percival rose highest to meet a delivery but the header was too central and saved by Matty Corran.

The chances petered out deeper into the half and an improvement was needed from either side in order to take the lead.

Southport came close to the opener within minutes of the second half after Luke Burgess’ free-kick was met by Danny Philliskirk, whose header was destined for the far corner if not for a good save by Corran.

The second half drew on and lacked a clinical edge, which allowed the resolute defending from both sides to take centre stage.

A nervy final ten minutes allowed the near 2,500 crowd to raise the noise level but despite the end-to-end finish neither side could capitalise, meaning it is now five home games against Marine that have ended 0-0.

STAR MAN: Chris Renshaw (Southport)

ENTERTAINMENT: 3/5

Now and again you get some exciting 0-0 draws, sadly this wasn’t one of them as both sides cancelled each other out and very early on you had a feeling this game was destined to end in a stalemate.In front of the seventh highest home league gate of our Non League era, 2446, which included 688 Mariners there was very little to report on. Marine shaded the first half and early part of the second until the home side made three changes and pushed forward more and called the Mariners ‘keeper into action with a couple of fine saves.Marine who have scored just two goals away from home all season will be well pleased with a point but for Southport it’s another game without a goal.The Southport Brewery Man Of The Match who also receives the Adam Le Roi Trophy was Danny Philliskirk and this was chosen by our Match Sponsor The Friends & Family Of Adam Le Roi.