Southport were unfortunate not to be promoted from the division last season with a last gasp defeat to New Brighton, whilst Wigan were promoted from the division below.

Wigan started brightly and moved the ball well, working their way upfield and into the Southport 22. Southport regained possession before George Lowe ripped the ball and gave Wigan the ball in great position. Good hands put Whelan through the gap and he went over for the opening score, which Zak Barker converted.
Southport replied with a penalty kick after Wigan were ‘pinged’ for a high tackle which saw the Southport man reaching for his ribs.
The half was closed out with Southport in control of the ball and camped on the Wigan line. Great defending kept the away side at bay for a long spell, until eventually the defenders were sucked in and the ball was played into the centres who managed to take the ball over for a 7-10 lead at the half.
The game resumed with Wigan once again playing great open and running rubgy and Southport determined to take the ball to the ground. Indiscipline in the Wigan ranks gave Southport another attempt at goal to take the score to 7-13. The half went much the same way with Southport adding another penalty goal with 10 minutes remaining to take the scores to 7-16.
George Lowe took the ball on and made a great break through the middle before offloading to Joss Parker who scored under the sticks. Zak Barker made the conversion to take the scores to 14-16 and Wigan were in with a fighting chance.
Wigan were well on top now and a hacked ball saw George Lowe chase the ball down before making a break that could only be brought down by a flailing full back. The ball was protected manfully by a chasing Owen Threllfall before Joss Parker found Harry Barker to crash over the line for what looked like the match winning score. Zak Barker added the conversion and gave Wigan a commanding 21-16 lead.
Southport took advantage of a series of penalties and with the clock seriously in the red they took a quick tap which caught everyone by surprise to draw the scores level. The conversion was made and Wigan hearts were broken as Southport took the spoils of victory. 21-23