IT SEEMED impossible a month ago but Morecambe's Football League dream is still alive - though, perhaps, on life support.

Even manager Jim Harvey said it was all over bar the shouting after his side slumped to a woeful 6-0 reverse at Gravesend, followed swiftly by defeat at champions-elect Chester City and a 3-0 home reverse to Exeter City.

But a place in the promotion play-offs is being talked about at Christie Park once more after four league wins on the spin and the confidence booster of a Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy final 'double' over Accrington Stanley.

A lacklustre Telford United were the latest victims as they were beaten 1-0 at Christie Park on Monday to make it a happy Easter for all at Morecambe.

Jim Bentley chipped in with the vital goal midway through the second half of an uninspiring game - bringing an excited buzz to a crowd of 1,642 as news came through that fellow play-off candidates Barnet and Exeter City were both losing.

In the event, a goal three minutes from time turned it around for Barnet to leave Morecambe two points outside the top five with two games remaining.

That means a win at Margate this Sunday (kick off 1.30pm) followed by victory over bogey side Shrewsbury United in the last home game of the season on April 24 is all Morecambe can do to help themselves.

The rest is in the hands of Barnet and Exeter as they, too, chase the big prize. But where there's life there's hope...