Fitzhenry joined the Haig Avenue outfit in November on-contract terms and had has quickly made a huge impact amongst the ‘Port supporters. The 24-year old has made 13 starts for the ‘Port since his signing from Workington and has been at the heart of the defence which has conceded 10 goals in their last 12 outings.

Fitzhenry suffered a double hernia during the summer and at times is reported to still have a few problems but has been outstanding so far, making a huge impact on what was a struggling side when he arrived. And manager, Liam Watson has been quick to praise the partnership he has developed with Barry Jones.

Watson told southportfc.net, ‘Since he has come to the club he hasn't put a foot wrong and has given us a lot more solidarity at the back. He is a fabulous piece of business, he's an experienced Conference player, he's 24 and I can build a defence around him. Neil is another piece in a jigsaw and I am still looking for certain pieces to complement what we already have and those are likely to be summer signings.’

The Wigan-born, left-footed defender started his career as a youngster with his home town club Wigan Athletic as a trainee, making 7 first team starts. He then moved to Chester in 2000, but his main playing experience came in the Conference for Leigh RMI.

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On Tuesday night the Vics had prematurely on released to Teletext that Ashcroft was signing a two-year deal with a quote from Shaun Teale that he was going to build the Vics squad around the striker.

However, the deal fell through possibly dut to Teale failing to get board support for an expensive signing.

And in discussions with Watson, Ashcroft has enthusiasused tically pledged his future to the Port.

Watson said: "Lee has got messed around but I was not going to stand in his way if he could extend his playing career elsewhere.

"Yes, I want an emphasis on younger players but Lee's experience and know-how can benefit us.

He has this year and next with us and is back on board. He is eager to play on Saturday but he will have to wait and see."

Ashcroft was back in training with his team mates last night.

Skipper Chris Price, who had an impressive 90 minutes against his former club last weekend, misses tomorrow's match due to a one match ban. PASE graduate Daryl Allen is the likely natural centre midfield replacement. The 18-year-old has another opportunity to prove he has a future as one of the regular midfield squad members as Watson rebuilds for next season's campaign.

Allen was praised by Watson after his performance in the last home win over Alfreton when he partnered Price in the middle.

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Ashcroft was set join the Conference’s basement side after his request to extend his Haig Avenue contract which runs out at the end of next season rejected by ‘Port manager Liam Watson. Last week, it was said Watson would not stand in the way of the veteran striker who had reportedly agreed terms with the Vics.

And only yesterday, BBC Sport online confirmed that Northwich were ‘set to sign’ Ashcroft.

But the club announced today, ‘that, following Ashcroft being unable to come to last minute final agreement with Northwich, will remain with Southport. Lee is reported as having told the Liam Watson that he is more comfortable with this outcome and looks forward to serving at Haig Avenue as long as required.’

The Sandgrounders only managed a draw without the services of the influential play-maker at the weekend against Runcorn.

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Last Saturday, roared on by a superb travelling band of yellow-clad support-ers that gave Runcorn their biggest gate of the season- 733, Liam Watson's side had to settle for a point.

And although the Port extended their unbeaten run to four matches this was a disappointing spectacle with the players unable to recapture their first-half form that was so assured at Gainsborough.

Watson made one change, bringing back on-loan Macclesfield striker Neil Robinson for Lee Ashcroft who was engaged in talks at Northwich.

Runcorn had publicised this fixture as the 'Grand Match' and were hoping for a 1,000 crowd but, disappointingly, despite the magnificent stadium equipped to host Nationwide First Division football, the stand accesses for the fans were strictly limited and led to uncomfortable pre-match congestion that could have easily been avoided by the stadium managers."

Watson, on his return to the Halton Stadium, reflected on the final whistle: "It is good to get this fixture behind us -it's like getting a monkey off our back.

"I am disappointed, this game was there for the taking and I am especially disappointed with our first-half show-ing, we did not do what I asked.

"I felt we put together some good football in the second-half but in the first I wanted our full-backs to get on the ball and put pressure on their wing-backs. I felt both full-backs were just happy to defend and didn't do what I asked.

"This is a problem we could have at home next season. I want full-backs who link up and join the attack. I was happy to leave two on two with Barry Jones and Neil Fitzhenry.

I made a change at half-time and Alex Mortmer made a difference. We had some clear-cut chances but didn't take them. They were happy to sit back. We are unbeaten and that is a big positive as we look forward to the Vauxhall match but we are disappointed not to have won.

"Steve Dickinson made a big error for their goal but he has been honest and acknowledged his error."

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Fans favourite, Ashcroft, was given permission by Southport manager Liam Watson to hold talks with Vics after he asked for an extension to his contract which runs out at the end of next season.

Watson said that after the problems with Steve Soley’s long-term deal and considering the player’s age, he would not consider entering into discussions. The ‘Port boss told the Southport Visiter: ‘In both playing terms for the future and business wise I believe Lee’s departure is in the best interests of the long-term building. I know Lee is a player popular with supporters but with Steve Daly, Kevin Leadbetter, Lee Mulvaney and now Neil Robinson competing for the strikers’ shirts the emphasis has to be on younger players who can take the club forward.’

Ashcroft joined the Sandgrounders in March from Wigan Athletic and instantly became a fan’s favourite. Despite netting only 2 goals in 11 appearances, his class and skill which made him a hero at Preston North End was clear.

And at the start of this current campaign, the 31-year old set the UniBond alight showing he was clearly too good for this league. As play-maker, Ashcroft caused havoc for opposing defenders who could not deal with the power he possessed. He went on to net 5 goals in 4 appearances near the start of the campaign and looked like the star player who would help win the championship for the Sandgrounders.

However, after the dream of UniBond success became a lengthening possibility, manager Mike Walsh, to whom Ashcroft was first team coach departed and rumours were quickly quashed that the star man was unhappy at the appointment of the new management.

The former Preston and Wigan man has netted 15 goals in 40 starts for the club.

If the Vics deal goes ahead, Ashcroft will team-up with another former Southport favourite, Shaun Teale who is now manager at Wincham Park. The Vics currently like 14 points adrift of safety in the Conference, however, with Margate homeless, Exeter facing points deduction and no UniBond side set to be promoted, Ashcroft could avoid a return to Haig Avenue in Conference North next season.

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Highly-rated Davis was given permission by Southport in early January to complete an extended trial at the Vetch after he joined from First Division Burnley in December. Davis was snapped up on a non-contract basis by Swans’ boss Brian Flynn less than 2 weeks later. But after less than a month at the club, was released by mutual consent.

Davis has spent the past week on trial at fellow third division side Bury, but will return to the Haig Avenue fold in time for Saturday’s trip to Runcorn FC Halton.

The 20-year old, Manchester born defender will, however, find it difficult to force his way back into the Southport line-up with the current central defensive pairing of Neil Fitzhenry and Barry Jones maintaining solid partnership at the heart of the back line, conceding 6 goals in the past 8 games, the best in the league.

The ‘Port, however, have been short of defensive cover since Davis left for his original trial at Swansea, as there has been no recognised central defensive back-up.

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The 24-year old will return for a further month’s loan in time for Saturday’s match against Runcorn FC Halton, with view to a permanent move.

Shortly before he left, Robinson had an initial month loan deal doubled after making only one substitute appearance in his original spell. Since then, he impressed in 2 consecutive starts for the Sandgrounders and was a scorer in his last match at Vauxhall Motors.

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Williams suffered shoulder ligament damage in the victory over Blyth Spartans in January and was originally expected to be out for 5 weeks, but will now be out until pre-season.

The 24-year old right full back has arguably been Southport’s most consistent player this season after missing the first 8 games of the campaign. Williams was brought to Haig Avenue in the summer by former manager Mike Walsh after a promising career was severely interrupted by an injury at Swindon Town.

But any doubts about Williams’ replacement were dismissed when Danny Stone returned to the fold after a long injury lay-off. After being transfer-listed, Stone has impressed in his last 5 starts with excellent displays and if Williams had returned before the end of the campaign, he would have faced some serious competition from the former Notts County man who can also cover at centre-back.

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The ex-Preston and West Brom star, 32 in September, had asked Watson for an extension to his contract that runs to the end of next season.

Watson explained: "After all the problems the club had with Steve Soley's long- term contract I was not prepared to consider entering discussions with Lee over any extension.

"He was contracted to the end of next season, surely for a player of Lee's age that was long enough. However, Northwich came in with an offer that Lee felt was for him and we wish him good luck.

"But in both playing terms for the future and business wise I believe Lee's departure is in the best interests of the club's long-term building. I know Lee is a player popular with supporters but with Steve Daly, Kevin Leadbetter, Lee Mulvaney and now Neil Robinson competing for the strikers' shirts the emphasis has to be on younger players who can take the club forward. We can create our own heroes here at Haig Avenue."

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That depends on Davis's international clearance coming through after his trial spell at Swansea.

Watson is going to try and tie down both players to long-term deals as the drive to be competitive at the top of Conference North next season begins.

Watson said this week that he intends to construct a squad of 19 players for the 2004-05 campaign.

Confidence is high in the Haig Avenue camp after Tuesday night's excellent win at Gainsborough that ended Trinity's 13 match unbeaten home record. The first half at the Northolme Stadium was by far the best footballing performance the Port players have put together during Watson and Neil Whalley's managerial tenure.

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The return of former manager Liam Watson, assistant Neil Whalley and crowd favourites Kevin Leadbetter, Steve Daly and Chris Price to the Halton Stadium is set to give extra spice to an already competitive local fixture and the club are aiming to make as much money as they can.

One aim is to reach a crowd of 1,000 which will be the highest of Runcorn’s season so far. Travelling Southport fans are expected to again outnumber home support, as the Linnets attract an average home attendance of 255 in a 12,500 all seater stadium, filling just over 2% of the ground. The club will advertise the fixture in the local media, TV and radio and are urging supporters to bring a friend along with them.

So far this season, the ‘Port took a reported following of 1,000 to Burscough when the team were an a run similar to which they find themselves on at the moment and helped boost Marine’s average attendance by almost 600 in the Boxing Day clash, again underlining the size of the club’s support.

This incentive, however, has not gone down well with some Runcorn supporters who are angry at the way the club is being run and some are reportedly planning a boycott for the game. One message posted on the supporters’ message board read, ‘If people attend and support the club, it will be seen as a thumbs up to the Doc (Chairman, Dr. David Robinson) and a thumbs up to playing at Widnes.’

Admission to the Halton Stadium is £7 for adults, £3.50 for concessions and under 14’s accompanied by an adult are admitted for free.

The club also plan to raise £1,000 in sponsorship, aiming to sell 40 sponsorship packages at £25 each. Each package consists of 2 tickets worth £14, advertising in the club directory and a draw for a prize worth £250 which is admission for 8 people in an Executive Box along with a pre-match three course meal. Runcorn share their ground with Rugby League side Widnes Vikings and has a number of executive boxes available. The club can be contacted on 0151 531 1296.

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One enforced change from the Whitby goal avalanche has to be midfielder Steve Pickford who is suspended. Former PASE graduate Daryl Allen could make his full UniBond debut.

Southport reserves were drawing 0-0 at Chester on Wednesday night when the match was abandoned after 75 minutes because of fog. The result may stand. The strong Chester side included Chris Lane, Carl Ruffer, Michael Twiss and Andy Harris.

Earl Davis has been released by Swansea and has now taken up a trial at Bury with Watson watching the situation. Davis, however, is not the only centre-half being monitored by the Port scouting team.

Former Port players have been on the move with Chris Lane joining his ex-Haig Avenue manager Mark Wright at Chester on loan from Leigh, while Martin Clark has linked up with Phil Wilson at Lancaster.

Neil Whitworth has left the club after negotiating a termination of his one-year contract.

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The Sandgrounders booked their place in the next round of the competition after disposing of Formby, 7-1 in early January, but Cables’ tie with Marine was continually postponed because of a succession of bad weather and the Premier Division’s involvement in the FA Trophy.

Goals from Simon Garner and substitute Mike O’Donnell were enough to secure the Hop Street side’s progression in the competition after a deserved victory against a strong Marine side. The tie will be played at Prescot’s Hope Street ground on Tuesday 9th March and remains the ‘Port’s only chance of silverware this campaign.

Cables currently sit 7th in Division One, 9 points behind leaders Hyde in a compact top half. The match will see former striker Ben Obong face his former employers, but the 26-year old has not featured for Prescot in recent weeks. Obong was released in 2001 after 2 goals in as many league starts for the Sandgrounders.

The winners will face either Tranmere Rovers or Everton in the next round.

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Robinson will join up with the Stags ahead of their home match against Cheltenham this Saturday, ruling him out of Southport’s trip to Whitby. ‘Port manager Liam Watson is hoping this is only for one match as he looks to sign the striker permanently.

The 24-year old, Liverpool born forward has recently had a month loan deal doubled after making only one substitute appearance in his original spell. Since then, Robinson has impressed in 2 consecutive starts for the Sandgrounders in the past weeks and was a scorer in last Saturday’s defeat at Vauxhall.

Robinson was sent to Conference side Leigh RMI earlier in the season as part of his recovery from injury, however, his time at Hilton Park was prematurely ended because of a recurring knee problem. Robinson’s injury difficulties have dogged his time at Haig Avenue so far and everyone at the club will have to wait as to if and when he returns. His departure could see the inclusion of Lee Ashcroft in the squad for tomorrow’s trip to Whitby.

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The 31-year old joined the Sandgrounders during the close season, but after starting 24 consecutive games, has found first team opportunities limited since the arrival of manager Liam Watson and recently completed a month’s loan at Radcliffe Borough.

The well travelled Ince born defender was at the heart of the defence which kept 4 consecutive clean sheets, but has received much criticism from supporters since, and his aerial frailties were particularly highlighted.

Whitworth’s Football League career started with Wigan Athletic, before moves to Manchester United, Preston North End, Rotherham United, Blackpool, Hull City and Exeter City.

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Highly-rated Davis was given permission by Southport in early January to complete an extended trial at the Vetch after he joined from First Division Burnley in December. Davis was snapped up on a non-contract basis by Swans’ boss Brian Flynn less than 2 weeks later, but has now left the club by mutual consent.

This move will fuel speculation about a possible return to Haig Avenue, for his 3rd spell with the club after 10 appearances so far. Davis became an instant hit with ‘Port fans at the back end of last season with 8 solid appearances, however, his loan move was cut short because of injury.

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