Southport v AFC Telford preview

AFC Telford United are likely to find a familiar face blocking their path to goal tomorrow – with former reserve keeper Matt Nemes featuring for Southport.

Aussie goalkeeper Nemes finished last season with the Bucks, but never made a competitive appearance for the club and was not retained for the current campaign by boss Andy Sinton.

But the 24-year-old was snapped up by Southport chief Liam Watson – and got his big chance when regular No 1 Tony McMillan was suspended.

Nemes' debut came in a 2-0 defeat at Kidderminster last Saturday and he kept his place for the Sandgrounders' first win of the season, 2-1 against Barrow on Monday.

"The win on Monday helps in terms of keeping morale and confidence in the dressing room," said Watson.

"I thought we were deserved winners as well and were unlucky at Kidderminster on Saturday.

"Matt played really well on his debut at Kidderminster and was given man-of-the-match against Barrow so he's shown he's a good keeper."

Telford had a number of ding-dong battles with Southport when the two clubs were promotion rivals in the Blue Square Bet North.

Watson and former Bucks boss Rob Smith were friendly adversaries and the two sides played out some memorable contests.

Many of those Telford players from that era remain and Watson is expecting another tough test for his side tomorrow as they search for a second consecutive win.

"Telford have done well to get up and have quite a few of the same players from when we last played them in the Conference North," he said.

"But we'll go at them really positively and take the game to them.

"Back to back wins would obviously be a massive boost and all we need to do it keep grinding out results."

• Southport have lost star man and playmaker John Paul Kissock to Luton. But that blow has been softened by the arrival of Dan Walker and Godfrey Poku, who have come in on loan in the opposite direction as part of the deal.

By CHRIS HUDSON