James Norwood can help Tranmere take out Southport in FA Cup replay

FA Cup second-round replay
BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Monday

Reaching the FA Cup third round is always a big deal for clubs lower down the English football ladder but the prize on offer to Southport and Tranmere is a guaranteed big one which only increases the stakes at Haig Avenue.

Tottenham at home in front of the TV cameras is on offer for the winners so it is perhaps no surprise both managers made changes to their usual starting 11s at the weekend with Southport and Tranmere both losing.

Southport fielded one loanee and six players who were signed in the week on non-contract terms for their 1-0 FA Trophy loss at home to Solihull Moors, while Rovers rotated their centre-backs in a 3-2 Sky Bet League Two defeat at struggling Notts County.

Tranmere are taking the scenic route to the third round - their first-round tie with Oxford City who, like Southport, ply their trade in the sixth tier, also went to a replay after a home draw with Rovers easing through 2-0 at the second attempt.

Rovers hotshot James Norwood opened the scoring in the replay and the striker could offer decent each-way value in this clash.

Norwood has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season and is lethal inside the penalty box. Always looking to play on the edge of the offside line and with good movement, all that seems to be holding Norwood back from a decent move is his age (28).

Tranmere's tricky wingers Jonathan Smith and Connor Jennings should supply enough chances to Norwood, who can shoot Rovers to that tantalisingly date with Tottenham.

Southport, struggling just outside the National League North relegation zone, were grateful for a sensational strike from Bradley Bauress which earned the replay but a Spurs clash may prove to be just out of reach for the Sandgrounders.

Recommendation
J Norwood first goalscorer
1pt each-way 15-4 bet365

Bet on this game at soccerbase.com

Team news
Southport
Nine Port players were making their debut in Saturday's FA Trophy tie but Southport will revert to their usual side.

Tranmere
Ollie Banks remains sidelined.

Key stat
James Norwood has scored nine goals in his last ten matches.

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