The second half was a similar pattern, with West Manchester putting 10 men behind the ball. SMFC pressed but came across a goalkeeper in inspired form producing two or three "worldies".
After hitting thecrossbar with 15 minutes to go, it looked like it was going to be one of those days and those fears hit home when West Manchester broke for their only attack and the unfortunate Mike Stratton scored an own goal which proved to be the decisive goal.
South boss Jody Marks told JC Sport: "After a tough week, it's a huge shame for the lads as it was a competition we wanted to win, but I couldn't ask any more from them.
"We are now unbeaten in 11 games and I'm a proud manager at the moment with the squad we have available as we enter some exciting months of football."