Prior to the 1-0 defeat at home to League One side Scunthorpe United on Saturday, the Shots had won their last three consecutive League games — a run of form which earned boss Terry Brown the Conference Manager of the Month Award for November.
In contrast, Southport have lost their last five League games and scored just one goal, which has seen the Lancashire side slump to one off the bottom in the table.
Still it's a spot that Brown knows all about, and is well aware that Port will be doing everything in their power to haul themselves clear of the drop zone. Indeed, the strugglers have even enlisted the help of Premiership giants Everton this week, using their training faciilties in a bid to improve their fitness.
Boss Brown said: “I've read all the reports about them and the managers I've spoken to were more impressed than I would have hoped and apparently they're not really that bad.
“They'll be looking to change their position pretty quickly and at least get something out of the game but it's one we're expected to win and we're confident of doing that after a decent League run. We live in hope that we've turned the corner.”
The boss welcomes Ashley Vincent back into contention after he was cup tied last weekend, and he is likely to partner loan striker John Turner up front as Brown reverts to a preferred 4-4-2 formation after pushing three up front for the visit of Scunthorpe.
“We didn't have many options on Saturday but with Ashley coming back that should give us a lot more vitality and pace up front.
“I'm absolutely gutted that he will not get a chance to play with Tim Sills because it looks likely they won't be able to,” added Brown.
The boss also revealed that Turner will not be able to play in next Saturday's FA Trophy match at home to high fliers Grays Athletic as employers Cambridge United have denied him permission to play in the game despite allowing him to feature in the FA Cup.
Brown also said that he is keen to keep the striker and has been in talks with the board about putting in an offer for the youngster when the transfer window reopens.
“We've got him technically until January 2 and I believe they're looking to sell him in the window. It's quite possible that we will want to buy him, the board are aware that I desperately need a permanent striker,” said Brown.
Sills, the boss' only contracted front man, continues to serve his three-match suspension, although Southport also have their own striker banned in Kevin Leadbetter.
With thanks to the Aldershot News.