A goal either side of half-time sealed a Southport victory as they outclassed an out-of-sorts Barrow.

Neil Robinson headed a stylish ‘Port side in front just before the interval, before Terry Fearns netted in the 46th minute to give the visitors 3 thoroughly deserved points.

Southport, spurred on by a huge vocal following, were quick out of the traps and it was clear from the outset they would be too hot to handle.

Robinson forced a 3rd minute save from Simon Bishop after Fearns robbed Maxfield of the ball before breezing past defender Cotterill.

The robust Robinson was again unfortunate 2 minutes later when he cut inside Andy Hill, before driving the ball under Bishop and against the outside of the upright.

The Bluebirds, seen as one of the pre-season title favourites could not unlock an indestructible Southport rearguard.

Wherever they went, a yellow shirt was there first and when Campbell and Knight each managed a shot from range, they found ‘keeper Dickinson in fine form.

But the Sandgrounders were superior throughout and fully deserved their opener after a comprehensive spell of possession.

Leadbetter crossed from the left and Neil Robinson rose at the far post to tower a header post Bishop and into the opposite corner.

And straight after the restart, the visitors all but sealed the points in clinical fashion.

Fearns pounced on a slip from Cotterill and, the former Vauxhall striker, fully composed, slid the ball across the despairing Bishop and into the bottom corner of the far post.

Barrow were sparked into temporary action with the physical addition of striker Michael Rankine. A cross from the right was met by a Gavin Knight bullet header, only to be smartly tipped over by Dickinson.

A smart one-two between Barrow’s Gavin Knight and Phil Rowland saw Knight’s fierce 16-yard drive whistle over the bar.

Despite their comfortable advantage, the Sandgrounders continued forward relentlessly with wave after wave of attack.

Sub Kevin Lynch playing in an unfamiliar right-wing position provided a dogged attacking outlet, while on the left, Carl Baker was pivotal in creating chances.

Patient play involving Lynch and Williams presented Robinson with a chance, but his 20-yard shot swerved wide.

Skipper Price and winger Baker also saw chances go amiss for the explosive ‘Port, while substitute Steve Daly shot narrowly over after cutting inside on his left foot, following a 30-yard surge.

While it is difficult not to get excited with a free-flowing Southport who registered a phenomenal 21 shots on target, ‘Port fans will have not yet forgotten the tribulations following 4 consecutive victories at the start of the last campaign. It’s a marathon remember, not a sprint!