Rushden and Diamonds 2 Morecambe 1 TWO late killer strikes saw Morecambe fall to their third successive away defeat last Saturday.

Following an entertaining first half which amazingly produced no goals, Morecambe went to a lead early in the second half when Jamie Udall jumped above the defence to bang in an excellent header.

The goal seemed to spark the home side into action and their passing game swung into action leaving the Shrimps chasing their tails.

Rushden bombarded the Shrimp goal, Collins headed against the crossbar and keeper Steve McIlhargey produced a number of excellent saves including an amazing block to turn away a fierce, close-range volley.

The Morecambe defence finally broke with Rushden new boy and former spurs striker, David Leworthy, shooting in a stinging shot in the 70th minute.

Seven minutes later the referee awarded the Northamptonshire side a free kick 25 yards from McIlhargey's goal. Up stepped Kenny Cramman who thundered a rasping shot into the top corner of the net.

It was a tough result for Morecambe, who had played some superlative football but it's tough at the top and they are getting a true measure of what is needed in the Conference.

Team: McIlhargey, Knowles, Annan, Udall, Hughes, Burns, Monk, McKearney (Shirley) Ceraolo, Norman (McCluskie) Healy.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.