LANCASTER City got back to their dogged best to shut out free-scoring Conference North leaders Southport and earn a morale-boosting point at freezing Haig Avenue.

The Dolly Blues were gritty, determined and stylish at times as the league leaders were frustrated. And on another day City could have grabbed all three points.

Lancaster didn't go into the game with defence on their minds as Phil Wilson started with two men up front and Neil Prince just behind the attackers.

So when Port's blinkered boss Liam Watson whinges about negative play from City he really is spouting nonsense. And his comments simply do not merit repeating.

Maybe Watson's dummy landed back in Liverpool because his side were held to their first 0-0 draw at home for over a year. But to slate Lancaster as he did shows a total disrespect for football, especially football on a tight budget.

He has big money to spend at Southport as they chase a return to the Conference while City boss Wilson by Conference North standards at least - is operating on the equivalent of a frayed shoestring.

The Dolly Blues are punching above their weight yet proved yet again at one of the so-called bigger clubs they are so close to being a real force.

And if Wilson had anything like Watson's spending power City would be home and hosed already.

Okay, Southport dominated and goalkeeper Jamie Speare a target for Watson was the busiest keeper. But there was little between the sides and that was down to City rather than suggesting Southport were poor.

Speare made decent first half saves from Steve Daly and Steve Pickford, while the dangerous Terry Fearns sent a looping shot against the crossbar.

But that was about as close as Southport came and it was Ryan Elderton who nearly put City in front just before the break.

His snapshot was blocked and Steve Dickinson saved the follow-up as City's noisy fans sensed a result.

The game was as feisty as you would expect a local derby to be as Prince and Pickford were booked after a spot of handbags while Stevie Hollis also saw yellow for pointing out the error of his ways to Pickford.

Speare was also booked for alleged time-wasting as City made a substitution, then Ryan-Zico Black was also cautioned as referee Allan Rawcliffe decided to book Blues at will.

Speare made an excellent stop from Pickford low to his left, then Peter Thomson spun and shot inches wide when his effort deserved a goal.

City were holding Southport well and the outstanding Andy Scott had Fearns rolled up in his back pocket.

The hitman got one chance near the end when Neil Robinson appeared to foul the cultured Scott. The referee didn't give the foul and the ball fell to Fearns 10-yards from goal.

His shot was good and low but Speare pushed it to safety.

As time ran out Steve Jones ballooned a shot high over the top, while Joe McMahon headed just wide from a Black corner.

Top of the league, you're having a laugh' chanted City's happy fans.

They had better get used to shouting because City are getting closer to Wilson's finished product. And those voices will be on full volume when that day comes.

CITY: Speare, Clark, McMahon, Sparrow, Scott, Hollis (Uberschar 52), Elderton (Moogan 67), Jones, Prince (Sullivan 56), Black, Thomson. Subs (not used): Yeomans, Bauress