Morecambe 1 Southport 2 A LACKLUSTRE Morecambe display saw coastal rivals Southport get the upper hand in this MacMillan Trophy clash on Tuesday night.

It was a poor Shrimps performance but manager Jim Harvey will take heart from the return of Andy Milner, back after a cruciate injury, who boosted the home side and netted a late consolation goal.

The former Chester City hit man looked dangerous as soon as he replaced the ineffective Justin Jackson and, on a night when many of the Shrimps lacked mettle, Milner looked ready for action. Ellison gave Southport the lead five minutes into the second half when he picked up the ball on the edge of the area and expertly chipped keeper Andy Banks.

Courtney put the cup tie in the bag in the 76th minute when he found himself with all the time in the world to fire past Banks.

Milner led the Morecambe rally but it was too little too late and even his headed goal in the last minute couldn't save the home side.

After the match Harvey talked enthusiastically of the youngsters in the squad who fighting for a first team place.

And, with so many bowed heads on Tuesday night, he may consider giving them the chance they've been waiting for.

Team: Banks, Fensome, Hardiker, McKearney, Farrell, Knowles, Gardner (Lyons) Drummond (Smith) Jackson (Milner) Hardy, Takano. Subs: McIlhargey, Keeling.

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