Eastleigh left it late as they finally broke a stubborn Southport resistance to win 1-0 in the National League this afternoon.
The Spitfires thought they had taken the lead as James Constable's cross-goal strike hit the post before Jai Reason finished the follow-up but the forward was offside.
Jack Midson then went close as he connected with a corner, but his diving header at back post was cleared off the line by Southport's Paul Rutherford.
Adam Drury made a good run down the wing moments later and crossed it to Ben Strevens, but he put his close-range header wide of the goal.
The home side struggled to find the breakthrough but they finally scored in the final 10 minutes of the game, as Josh Payne's shot across goal was palmed out to Drury, who finishes from close range.
Strevens had the chance to double their lead late on as Constable found him in space but Crocombe was equal to the effort.
Eastleigh move up to fourth in the National League table while Southport are still three points away from safety.
