DAMIEN Markman struck his first goal for Redditch United as the Valley Stadium side came from behind to draw 1-1 with visitors Southport in Blue Square Conference North.

And the result ensured the Reds kept their unbeaten home record in tact.

But it was United keeper Danny Lewis who was the busier early on, being called into action inside the opening 20 seconds, rushing off his line to deny Karl Noon.

And the visitors had another chance on 18 minutes but Liam Blakeman's lob landed on the roof of the net.

Chances were few and far between in an even opening and it took the home side until the 27th minute before they threatened the Southport goal. Richard Ball and Howard Forinton combined with the latter rolling the ball towards the penalty spot where Chris Murphy was lurking but the former Cheltenham Town player side-footed wide.

With eight minutes to go before half-time, the visitors were almost gifted a goal when a mistake by Jai Stanley saw him roll the ball to Tony Gray only for the Southport striker to miscue in front of goal and send his shot to the right of the target.

Ball had a chance early in the second period but fired over the crossbar following a neat turn on the edge of the area.

But with 55 minutes on the clock, the Reds found themselves behind. Mark Duffy rolled a free-kick to Liam Blakeman and, as the Redditch defence looked on, he drilled a shot into the top left-hand corner.

James Johnson could have levelled moments later but, after being picked out by Lee Downes, he took a touch too many and the opportunity was gone.

Boss Gary Whild sent on Simon Hollis to replace Johnson a minute later, the first action of the season for last year's leading scorer.

And with the introduction of Markman ten minutes later, United set about finding an equaliser.

They didn't have to wait long. Markman had only been on the field for less than two minutes when he fired home the rebound after Ball had turned a Hollis cross against the bar.

The goal spurred the home side on and Markman almost handed them an 85th minute lead, taking the ball into the area only to fire his shot straight at Richard Whiteside in the Southport goal.

Hollis also had a chance to bag the winner with a last minute header that he glanced wide of the target following good work from Jai Stanley.

Noon volleyed over from 25 yards deep in injury time but for any side to have snatched victory would have been harsh on their opponents.

Reds: Lewis 6, Stanley 7, Taylor 8, Rea 6, Geoghaghan 8, Murphy 6, Johnson 6 (Hollis 60, 7), DOWNES 9, Ball 6, Softley 6 (Markman 69, 6), Forinton 6 (Whitcombe 78). Subs (not used): Walker, Dickinson.

Southport: Whiteside 6, WATT 8, Newton 6, Hocking 6, Lee 7, Holland 7, Duffy 7, Blakeman 7, Gray 6 (Houghton 70, 6), Powell 6, Noon 7. Subs (not used): F Smith, Prout, Beeley, T Smith.

Referee: Mr M Dexter (Leicester) 8