Sandgrounders sign up Macclesfield striker for Hatters clash

SOUTHPORT will have Macclesfield forward Vinny Mukendi available to face Luton this weekend after the teenage striker completed his loan move to Haig Avenue, writes Mike Simmonds.

The 19-year-old made eight appearances for the Sandgrounders earlier in the season, scoring twice, but has returned to the club.

Manager Liam Watson said: “I am delighted that Vinny has agreed to come back.

“He offers us a new dimension up front and in his brief time here he became very popular with his team-mates and supporters alike.”

Watson still remains confident of re-signing Luton midfielder Godfrey Poku after the completion of the match on Saturday, as he continued: “We also hope to get a loan deal for Godfrey Poku tied up once the Luton game is out of the way. If we can do that, then I will be a happy man.”

Southport go into the game fresh as they have not played since their 3-0 Blue Square Bet Premier defeat at Cambridge United nine days ago, but according to the manager, the break was beneficial.

He said: “It came at a good time, but it will be nice to get back playing now.

“Luton are probably the biggest club ever to be a this level, so we know how tough it will be. Hopefully our break will do us good.”

Port’s top scorer Tony Gray has seen his side dip out of the play-offs in recent weeks, but believes the are capable of earning what would be a shock win over the Hatters, to avenge their 5-1 thumping at Kenilworth Road earlier in the season.

He added: “Maybe we have started believing we are slightly better than we are.

“We all believe that if we play our own game, we can match anybody.

“We know Luton are going to be a well-organised side who are big and strong. They’re a big club and so they have the means to get good players in.

“But we played them earlier in the season and held our own for most of the game. The scoreline did not reflect how close that game was to be honest. If we are on our game, and if we can find a bit of our away form on home turf, then we can beat them, I’m certain.”

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