GRAVESEND threw away the lead in a disappointing second half performance against Southport in the Conference at Stonebridge Road.

Che Stadhart gave Fleet an 18th minute lead, but three second half Southport goals ensured they finished the match empty-handed.

And, according Fleet boss Andy Ford, the home side's second half performance was unacceptable.

"We let them come back at us after half-time and let them dictate play," he said. "A few people dropped their standards today."

Stadhart's opener came after keeper Steve Dickenson fumbled a Justin Skinner cross and the Fleet striker poked the ball home.

Hatch should have made it two for Fleet soon after, but the pendulum swung the visitors' way after the break.

Seven minutes into the second half Lew Watts handled the ball in the box as he attempted a clearance and Peter Thomson scored from the penalty spot.

A defensive mix-up between Nick Burton and keeper Paul Wilkerson enabled Thomson to pass it to Neil Gibson who put his side in front.

Thomson then rounded off a fine individual performance when he lobbed Wilkerson from the edge of the area for the third.