MORECAMBE were forced to battle hard for a 1-0 win over Kendal Town at Parkside Road on Wednesday night.

Despite being without key playmaker Lee Ashcroft and top striker Kenny Mayers Town gave a workmanlike performance against Jim Harvey's men.

Neat passing build-ups by the side three divisions above UniBond League Town generally floundered against a rock-solid Morecambe defence.

And an unfortunate goalkeeping error in the eighth minute was the difference between the teams.

Mark Thornley mistimed his lunge for the ball and instead clipped the ankles of Danny Carlton.

Wayne Curtis despatched the resulting penalty with supreme confidence to give the Shrimps a lead they never looked like surrendering.

Striker David Foster and right back Paul Rigby went closest for Town with shots, which passed narrowly outside either post.

Morecambe fielded ex-Grimsby Town, Hull City and North Ferriby United winger Graham Hockless during the game as the Shrimps dominated with Paul Lloyd and Garry Hunter going close after the break, while keeper Scott Davies didn't have a shot to save in the second half.

It was another pleasing Morecambe display as they warm up for the Conference season, kicking off on Saturday week at Christie Park when Halifax Town cross the Pennines for the seasonal opener.

Morecambe: S Davies, Heard, Ruffer, Stringfellow, J Davies, Lloyd, Kelly, Smith, Hockless, Curtis, Carlton. Subs: Gray, Hunter, Salmon.