Conference Premier side Southport are holding Derby County to a 0-0 draw at the iPro Stadium at half time.

The home side dominated possession during the opening exchanges against the minnows but it was Southport who registered the first shot on target through Richard Brodie, who tested goalkeeper Kelle Roos with a 30-yard strike.

That encouraged the Rams into a response, and after firing over the crossbar from the edge of the box, Craig Bryson struck the woodwork before the rebound was blazed over by Leon Best.

The Championship side remained in control as the half reached the midway point, with Simon Dawkins having a shot deflected over before Best rose above the Southport defence to glance his header wide of the far post.

On-loan midfielder Omar Mascarell fizzed a shot over the crossbar from distance before Paul Coutts was denied by an inspired intervention from goalkeeper David Raya Martin.

Ryan Shotton and Bryson also wasted opportunities late in the half as the non-league club managed to hold out until half time.