IF Steve Halford could be granted one New Year wish it would probably be the same as Cher's - to turn back time.

For it was his second own goal of the season that denied Accrington Stanley the chance to earn a point at Morecambe.

It was nothing short of a killer blow to the Reds, who had dominated the game from virtually the first whistle.

Halford put through his own net in the 3-1 win at home to Burton Albion. Then, it didn't really matter, but after an otherwise solid defensive display the central defender, could not be deemed as the culprit for a defeat that didn't just leave manager John Coleman feeling disappointed but "robbed".

For although, just as it did on Boxing Day, the game became frenetic and scrappy, Coleman's side had ample chance to wrap up the three points which would have put distance between themselves and the Shrimps while pushing them ever nearer to that coveted play-off spot.

No incident could have highlighted their profligacy better than the gilt-edged chance Lutel James had to hand Stanley the lead just after the hour.

James pounced on a loose ball inches out but, when all he had to do was slide it into an empty net, he hit the post, the ball rolled along the line and Jamie Murphy cleared to sum up a frustrating afternoon.

Then there was Paul Mullin's free header which went wide just seconds before Halford's fateful attempted clearance was thumped past Jamie Speare.

But there were opportunities to give Morecambe a mountain to climb in the first half too.

Ged Brannan could have made it a completely different encounter when he connected with Prendergast's inswinging corner, but Mawson did brilliantly to tip his thumping header over the bar.

The former Manchester City midfielder continued to be involved in the thick of the action in the early stages, but as the second half progressed, it became more and more apparent that, if someone was going to score, it would be more likely to be as a result of an individual error or misjudgement than creativity.

And so it proved. Just as Morecambe were eagerly awaiting the final whistle, Dean Howells whipped in a centre. Halford beat Nick Rogan to the ball but buried it past Speare.

MORECAMBE 1

Halford og 89

ACCRINGTON STANLEY 0

Christie Park Att: 3,084

PLAYER RATINGS

JAMIE SPEARE Made stunning save in a one-on-one with Terry McFlynn late in the first half but wasn't at his most assertive with punches and collecting crosses 6

PAUL HOWARTH Had his work cut out with lively striker Ryan Sugden and almost got caught out with some casual play but escaped unscathed 6

STEVE HALFORD A box to box performance for the centre half, hugely unfortunate that his late header went the wrong way at the wrong time 7

ROBBIE WILLIAMS Assured display to thwart the threat of McFlynn and Sugden. Made some timely tackles 7

STEVE HOLLIS Straight back into the side after recovering from a broken wrist to replace the suspended Peter Cavanagh. Ever dependable 7

ANDY PROCTER Typical long range drive stung Craig Mawson's hands in the first half. Went close again in second half 7

GED BRANNAN Bright start should have been rewarded with a goal. Consistently chose good passing options going forward 7

ANDY GOUCK Spurred on by friendly fire from home supporters and revelled in midfield battles against his former team-mates 7

LUTEL JAMES Should have buried the ball with the close range second-half chance which hit the post 6

PAUL MULLIN Another culprit when it came to missed chances. Covered a lot of ground again as lone striker 7

RORY PRENDERGAST Kieron Walmsley hadn't learnt his lessons from Boxing Day and allowed winger too much space on the left to exploit 7

SUBS: Paul Cook (for Gouck 78)

SUBS NOT USED: JON KENNEDY, STEVE FLITCROFT, GORDON ARMSTRONG, JOHN DURNIN.

REFEREE: Mr D Storrie 5