Southport hold League One Fleetwood to earn FA Cup replay

Jimmy Ryan came closest to breaking the deadlock but Fleetwood Town had to settle for a 0-0 draw with National League Southport in their FA Cup first-round clash at Haig Avenue.The midfielder's 25-yard free-kick was tipped on to the Southport crossbar by Magnus Norman early in the second half and Martyn Woolford saw his follow-up blocked as the hosts held on for a replay against a team 56 places above them in the football pyramid.The Sandgrounders also weathered a late storm as, deep into injury-time, Cian Bolger had a free header but could only nod Kyle Dempsey's corner wide, meaning the sides will do it again to earn a second-round trip to Shrewsbury.The hosts edged a scrappy first half that was short on quality but high on intensity. Andrai Jones had their only effort on target but his tame attempt was comfortably saved by Chris Neal.Ryan was the driving force for Fleetwood in the second period, seeing a fierce shot saved minutes after he cracked the crossbar.Southport almost grabbed a late goal but Liam Nelson scooped an 89th-minute effort over the bar from close range before Fleetwood went straight up the other and substitute Devante Cole was denied by a sprawling save from Norman.