Both teams took a while to settle, with the first clear chance falling to Andy Todd, but his 10-yard shot flew over the Southport bar. This spurred Southport into action as they tried to break the deadlock, with Steve Daly coming close when his 6-yard volley was deflected over for a corner from a long Chris Lane right-wing throw.
Moments later though Southport took the surprise lead when a long ball from inside the Southport half was run down by Daly who kept his nerve as he confronted Robert Elliot in the Stanley goal, knocking the ball in from close range.
The home side should have doubled their lead within a minute when Elliot mis-kicked a clearance straight into the path of Matty McGinn, whose shot from 30 yards cruelly cam back off the post.
Accrington made little first half impression on the Southport goal with Romauld Boco coming closest just before the half-hour mark only to see his shot go wide.
Southport should have increased their lead as the half-time whistle loomed when Steve Dickinson's long goal kick was met perfectly by Daly, whose run at goal was abruptly halted by Robert Williams whose challenge in the penalty area was deemed worthy of a penalty by referee Haywood, dismissing Williams for the foul. Neil Robinson's weak penalty was comfortably collected by Elliot.
The second half started in a similar vein to the first half, with Accrington's ten men trying to make an impact on the scoreline. Ian Craney and Mark Boyd both tried long distant shots, but never really troubled Dickinson.
Southport sensationally extended their lead just after the hour mark when Michael Powell placed a perfect pass into the path of Daly who beat the offside trap, coolly slotting the ball low to the left of Elliot into the back of the net.
Dickinson preserved the Southport lead when Andrew Mangan tried his luck from outside the area.
Moments later Boco was frustrated to see his shot go wide as Southport held on to their impressive lead.
Accrington's woes were confirmed on the final whistle when they were awarded a penalty when Michael Powell fouled Craney, with Craney taking the penalty which was sensationally saved by Dickinson.