THE class act that is Michael Twiss put Morecambe right back amongst the mix for the Conference play-offs with a wonder goal to shoot the Shrimps towards glory.

Twiss is the best player outside the Football League by a mile and once again proved that claim is true with the magical goal to see off play-off rivals Dagenham and Redbridge.

The ex-Manchester United trainee made it 15 for the season 29 minutes into the Christie Park clash - and the goal left many rubbing their eyes in disbelief.

With nothing really on, Twiss decided the best course of action was to dart into the left-hand side of the penalty area and beat numerous Dagenham defenders before using his tried and trusted left foot to perfection with a shot that left visiting goalkeeper Tony Roberts clutching at thin air.

The goal was great, brilliance itself and no wonder manager Jim Harvey purred: "It was fantastic - worthy of winning every game."

It's the beauty of Twiss. He is capable of the most mesmerising skill - but can also ride out the rough treatment as he proved against Aldershot's kicking squad in midweek.

And if he can stay fit, then Morecambe's top-five dreams will surely become reality.

But the Shrimps are anything but a one-man show.

With Ryan Robinson impressing during his run in goal, through a defence that is miserly and a ball-winning midfield, Morecambe have the ability to make the mix.

And they are also prepared to tough games out to get the all-important results.

This game was a real battling encounter as two sides chasing the Holy Grail of league football refused to give an inch.

But Morecambe were almost rocked after just 53 seconds when Craig Mackail-Smith was handed the opportunity to open the scoring - but his effort from eight yards went wide of the target.

Morecambe were soon in their stride and Garry Hunter was unlucky when the desperate Lee Goodwin blocked his goalbound effort, while Kieran Walmsley saw a 25-yarder sail just over the crossbar.

And then Roberts earned his money with an impressive save from Twiss.

It wasn't all one-way traffic and Robinson made a smart stop from Jake Leberl and Glenn Southam shot narrowly wide.

But Twiss produced his magic to ease the Morecambe nerves and it could have been 2-0 before the break when Garry Thompson spun and shot wide.

After the break Dagenham struggled to break down the Morecambe defence, marshalled superbly by Darran Kempson. And amid growing frustration they threw bodies forward in a desperate attempt to save their season.

But Robinson caught a Mackail-Smith shot and the striker shot wide from a good position before Morecambe nearly made the game safe - and added the goals their display deserved as the clock ran down.

Hunter shot just over, Chris Blackburn headed wide and then, deep in stoppage time, Wayne Curtis deserved a goal after neat skill created a chance.

But Danny Foster deflected his shot wide.

MORECAMBE: Robinson, Blackburn, Howard, Bentley (Swan 45), Kempson, Thompson (Elam 73), Walmsley, Curtis, Hunter, Twiss, Heard (Carlton 52). Subs (not used): Sollitt, Kelly.