Morecambe 1 Crawley Town 2

Last updated : 20 November 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Crawley clinched their first away win since the opening day of the season with this resolute performance against Morecambe.

Francis Vines' side had to defend desperately for much of the afternoon but they did so superbly with a host of last-gasp challenges denying the Morecambe forwards.

Alternatively Morecambe's defence failed to shine – and they were made to pay dearly as they suffered their fourth home defeat of the campaign.

There was little wrong with the Shrimps' approach play however as they created a host of chances.

In the opening stages Wayne Curtis was only denied by the quick reactions of Crawley keeper Phil Smith and top scorer Michael Twiss saw a stinging left foot shot fly just wide of the left hand post.

Keiron Walmsley forced Smith into another good save from a free-kick before Ben Judge typified Crawley's defensive efforts with a vital far post clearance from Garry Thompson's right-wing cross.

The visitors had threatened themselves on the break and on 14 minutes Adam Sollitt had to make a desperate save to flick the ball off the line after a bouncing ball had caused all sorts of problems in the Morecambe area.

They then broke the deadlock on 34 minutes through Danny Davidson. New signing Simon Wormull delivered a dangerous corner to the far post and as the Morecambe defence hesitated the giant striker rose well to head past the stranded Sollitt.

Morecambe bounced back almost immediately however with a well worked equaliser.

Thompson was the creator with a great run down the right hand side. He produced a hard, low cross which Smith could not hold, and although Twiss's first effort was cleared off the line, Curtis was on hand to poke home his fourth goal in four games.

Thompson then should have given his side the lead on 42 minutes when he was played through but with only Smith to beat saw his shot saved by the keeper's legs.

A minute later the Shrimps threatened again with Curtis presented with an opening eight yards out only to be denied by the excellent Ben Judge.

The Shrimps started the second half well with Davidson showing his worth at the other end with a great clearance to prevent the ball from finding Jim Bentley who was loitering with intent six yards out.

Walmsley then clipped a free-kick against the foot of the post before the Red Devils were gifted a second.

David Perkins' quickly taken free-kick went straight to Davidson who ran into the box and crossed to the far post for Danny Marney to slide home the ball from eight yards out.