MORECAMBE proved just how far they have come this season as they finished the campaign on a winning note at home to Kidderminster on Saturday.

The Shrimps avenged their early season 4-2 defeat in the Midlands with a fine 3-1 win which means they lost just one of their last nine games and clinched a top ten Conference spot.

Saturday's win started with a goal as early as the first minute, Paul Rushton marking his return with an assist as his deep cross was headed home by Ian Monk at the far post.

Former Conference champions Kidderminster hit back before half-time after exerting some pressure on the Morecambe defence. They equalised in the 37th minute when Leroy May smashed home a half-volley after receiving the ball from the impressive Simeon Hodgson.

Jim Harvey sent the Shrimps out in determined mood in the second half as they looked to give the 1,200 strong crowd something to cheer about over the summer.

They were back in front two minutes after the break when Mark Ceraolo latched on to John Norman's long through-pass, controlled the ball and calmly finished past the advancing Kidderminster goalkeeper.

And the season's final word was fittingly left to Jim McCluskie. The big striker, on as a substitute for Norman, took up his customary place at the far post and managed to squeeze the ball in three minutes before the end and spark off the celebrations.

At the final whistle, the fans paid tribute to the players who have provided them with an entertaining first season among the non-league elite.

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