MORECAME'S title challenge suffered a blow this week after a narrow defeat against Blackpool saw them slip further back in the table.

Enjoying better weather than rivals, Darwen, Phil Thornton's side had an opportunity to claw back part of the 20-point deficit they suffered after their defeat by their title opponents.

Batting first, Morecambe were made to work for every run by Blackpool's substitute professional, Charles Dagnall, who took 5 for 40 in a spell which saw him claim the prize scalp of openers Mark Woodhead and Phil Dennison and professional, Ramesh Powar, who made 20.

Captain Thornton was Morecambe biggest scorer, making 40 runs as his team made their way to 153 for 9 wickets.

Blackpool started strongly and looked to be well on course for victory, with Dagnall top scoring on 32.

However, after the front five batsmen managed to get into double figures, the tail end struggled to wag and, in the end, the result was in doubt right up to the final run, with Morecambe needing to take one final wicket to take the maximum 15 points.

Rain meant that Lancaster's game at Chorley was a complete wash out.