Charles felt the season-opener was a scrappy game

Michael Powell scored the only goal as Southport opened their season with victory at Gainsborough Trinity.

Powell turned home a free-kick from close range after 57 minutes.

Colin Marrison and Chris Hall had early chances for Gainsborough, while visiting striker Kieran Kilheeney also missed several first-half efforts.

Trinity boss Steve Charles told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "It was a poor game, both teams cancelled each other out and there weren't many chances."