AFC Telford United's miserable run of league form continued as they were outplayed at the Bucks Head by promotion-chasing Southport.

The Bucks were behind within 18 minutes when Chris Simm fired home.

And a foul on Simm then allowed Ciaran Kilheeney to double the Sandgrounders' lead from the penalty spot.

The Bucks rarely threatened, and could have lost by more, only for keeper Ryan Young to save the spot-kick when Lee Vaughan gave away another penalty.

Telford have now picked up just one point from a possible 15 to slip to 11th in the table, eight points adrift of the play-off pack.

But they have a chance to turn it around in November when they have three successive games against teams currently in the bottom four.

Before then, the Bucks have to concentrate on trying to reach their first round of the FA Cup.

Blyth Spartans play host to Salford City this Tuesday night in their third qualifying round replay (20 October, 1945 BST) to decide where Telford will have to travel for Saturday's fourth qualifying round tie (24 October, 1500 BST).

Telford boss Rob Smith told BBC Radio Shropshire:

"You've got to take these tough times.

"You fight, get through it, and come out the other end."

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