Neil Midgley's double inspired managerless Barnet to their first win in four outings, courtesy of a home success over free-falling Southport.

Former Ipswich midfielder Midgley gave the hosts, who saw boss Peter Shreeves resign earlier in the day, a 14th-minute lead with only his second goal of the season - drilling low into the bottom left corner after taking Keith Rowland's pass.

Although visiting goalkeeper Steven Dickinson kept out a Wayne Purser header and Midgley drive before the break, the hosts struck again six minutes after the restart.

Mark Gower provided the cross from the left and Purser directed the ball into the bottom right corner from eight yards.

Southport pulled one back after 56 minutes as Keith Charnock's centre gave Paul Wheatcroft the opportunity to head home.

But in the 90th minute another header made the points safe for Barnet - Gower once more supplying the cross and Midgley the finishing touch.

Barnet: Naisbitt, Pope, Flynn, Butters, Pluck, Midgley, Gower, Doolan, Rowland, Purser, Toms. Subs: Millard, Baimass, Lee, Cashman, Lopez.

Southport: Dickinson, Lane, Davis, Barry Jones, Charnock, Mulvaney, Steve Jones, McGuire, Howell, Wheatcroft, Ashcroft. Subs: Welsby, Clark, Moore, Scott, Hogan.

Referee: M Yerby (Ashford).