THE Shrimps picked up an excellent point at Port Vale with a solid performance.

Jim Bentley was forced to make six changes from the side that lost to Mansfield last week and they had the better chances of the game but had to settle for a well deserved draw.

With injuries to Barry Roche, Steven Old, Luke Conlan and Callum Lang and Max Muller absent through a family bereavement Morecambe brought in Dan Nizic, Dean Winnard, Patrick Brough, Garry Thompson and new signing Gregg Wylde and they ad the better of the chances in the first half with Wylde making an impressive start to his Shrimps’ career.

Wylde was quick to show his attacking intentions and on 12 minutes forced Rob Lainton into a flying save after a fierce shot form a tight angle as Morecambe looked the more threatening.

The Shrimps almost took the lead in only the fourth minute when Aaron McGowan’s right wing cross was diverted inches past his own goal by Vale defender Charlie Raglan.

The home side hit back with danger man Tom Pope heading a David Worrall inches over the bar and Michael Tonge seeing a shot well blocked by Sam Lavelle before Morecambe took charge again.

Garry Thompson wasted a glorious chance to open the scoring on 25 minutes when he failed to connect with Vadaine Oliver’s knock down before Wylde threatened again with a curling effort that Lainton tipped onto the bar.

The second half saw Port Vale play at a far greater pace than the first 45 minutes and they had several chances to take the lead.
Pope was always a threat and headed a Worrall cross inches of the left hand post from eight yards out and substitute Donovan Wilson going close with a bobbling shot from the edge of the box that ended up just wide of the goal.

Morecambe could have won it right at the death with two chances.

The first came for Adam McGurk when he cut in from the left but failed to find the target before Kevin Ellison missed an injury time chance when found by Aaron Wildig six yard out but he was only able to direct his shot straight into the arms of Lainton as both sides had to settle for a point.

In the end it was vital point against a close rival.

Port Vale: Lainton, Jules (rep Pugh 51), Raglan, Smith, Gibbons, Kay (rep Wilson 76), Worrall, Tonge, Hannant, Whitfield (rep Forrester 46), Pope. Subs not used: Boot, Howe, Davis, Harness.

Morecambe: Nizic, Kenyon, Winnard, Lavelle, McGowan, Rose, Fleming (rep Eildig 83), Brough, Thompson (rep McGurk 83), Wylde, Oliver (rep Ellison 73). Subs not used: Maher, Hedley, Campbell, Lund.

Ref: B Toner.

Att: 3,968.