A LAST minute winner allowed Morecambe to steam through to the first round of the FA Cup, but they very nearly came off the tracks at Station Road.

It was young Shrimps ace Wayne Curtis who finally secured the three points, with a last minute close range strike to break the hearts of lowly Harrogate Railways, who were playing above themselves in what was, effectively, their cup final.

Morecambe's nerves were should have been settled just three minutes into the game, when big centre-half Chris Lightfoot headed home an Andy Gouck free kick.

Morecambe would have hoped to go on from there, but eight minutes of defensive disaster gave the tie an altogether more difficult look.

Steve Davey equalised for the Yorkshiremen on 12 minutes after being allowed too much time and space in the box.

Davey turned creator just a few minutes later, setting up Ian Hart to send the home fans wild.

Fortunately, going behind early allowed Morecambe no shortage of time to get back into the game.

Chris Lightfoot's vast experience has been a great asset at the back for Jim Harvey's men this season, and he has also chipped in with more than his fair share of goals.

He added his second of the match shortly after the half hour, following the same pattern as his first, with a Gouck free kick finding his head.

Morecambe were forced to hang on for most of the remainder of the match but, as Harrogate tired and began thinking about a replay at Christie Park, Curtis, who came on with just 20 minutes left, intervened.

RESULT: Harrogate Railways 2 Morecambe 3