Southport managed to beat the drop this season but it was a difficult campaign and comes as something as underachievement having been so close to the play-offs the previous season. Liam Watson was looking to build on the momentum and the feel-good factor of the superbly successful previous campaign but it soon became clear that achievement of that sort may be beyond the qualities of a rather limited group of players. Moreover, the loss of Andy Owens was a big impact too while the new signing were of relatively little experience and talent. The opening few games of the season saw some poor displays, notable heavy home defeats at the hands of Tamworth and Telford. The team spirit and the will to win was still there though and a rousing comeback to beat early pace-setters Gateshead was an obvious highlight in the early weeks. Yet, the genuine lack of defensive solidity and control in midfield was a big concern for Watson who was beset by constant injuries of key members of his squad and lost last season's top scorer Tony Gray in September as he opted to join Chester. The odd win was keeping Southport above the relegation zone but the lack of consistency remain a big issue as the season continued. Battling performances were being followed by tame surrenders in the next game and the Sandgrounders were just struggling to really kick-start their season, staying in the bottom regions of the table. Yet, the signs of genuine recovery and a good run of form started to come around in the early days of 2013 when wins away at Telford and at home to Lincoln lifted the mood around the club. In fact, Southport lost just a single game from eight and looked stable in mid-table. The return of Owens on a loan deal was a big factor in the upturn in fortunes while Shaun Whalley was constantly a danger on the wings and the one player that maintained a good level of displays all season. Yet, just when it looked like Southport are set for a relaxing end of the campaign in mid-table, an unexpected collapse in form saw them lose six games on the spin and drop to the places just above the drop zone. Some harsh results during this run along with some truly abject displays knocked the confidence of the team and it really looked like Southport may be heading down. Yet, the negative run was stopped with a monumental 3:1 victory at Braintree that really lifted the pressure and four points in the next two games at Forest Green and Grimsby were enough to save the Merseyside club. Yet, Watson announced that he will be leaving after the campaign in search of a new challenge and it remains to be seen who will lead Southport next season and how much success he will have.
