Too little too late!

IT'S not been a good week for the Shrimps. Southport's scintillating three-goal salvo in the first half gave Morecambe a mountain to climb in this Tuesday night derby. And, although the Shrimps staged a valiant fight back, it was too little too late leaving Morecambe nursing the hard fact of six goals conceded in just two games. Jim Harvey's side were without Ian Cain and Mark Shirley because of flu and defenders Paul Rushton and Tony Hughes were injured making room for the likes of Gary Williams and Andy Grimshaw in the starting line up.

They began well but in the 16th minute Steve Haw fired in a stinging low shot that skidded off the turf to beat McIlhargey.

Southport's desire for victory to avoid relegation put them in buoyant mood and in the 27th minute on-loan Burnley striker Ian Duerden latched onto a Steve Moran cross. Duerden fired a strike at McIlhargey, who could only parry the shot, Andy Whittaker hit the post with the second attempt leaving Chris Sharratt to convert the loose ball.

Whittaker was involved seven minutes later when he headed in an inswinging corner at the far post to seal a desperate first half for the Shrimps.

After the break Morecambe were much more in the mood for a fight and MIke Bignall's snap shot in the 47th minute was superbly saved by keeper Billy Stewart. With Southport penned back in their own half for long periods, Morecambe pulled a goal back when Bignall headed in an Ian Monk cross.

Gary Williams was lively and forced to Stewart into a point blank save and John Norman forced a volley over the crossbar. Jim McCluskie replaced Norman in the 74th minute and scored a goal that was unfortunately ruled offside to end a depressing week of football for the Shrimps who continue to lose despite playing some good football.

Team: McIlhargey, Knowles, Lavelle, West, Hodgson, Grimshaw, Monk, Burns, Bignall, Norman (McCluskie) Williams (Annan)

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