MORECAMBE suffered a disappointing home defeat as a superb late strike from Perry Ng gave Dave Artell's side three points.

As a game of few chances looked set to end goalless Ng provided a moment of quality with a superb 25-yard shot that flew past Barry Roche.

Shrimps’ boss Jim Bentley had made one change from the side which drew at Colchester United last weekend with Vadaine Oliver coming in for Aaron Wildig.

Morecambe should have been in front with only three minutes gone but the unmarked Garry Thompson headed well off target when well placed. Oliver fired over as Morecambe’s share of possession wasn’t converted into shots on target.

That said, it was only the woodwork that prevented Kevin Ellison from scoring twice before half-time.

The first occasion came on 31 minutes when he struck the top of the crossbar from the edge of the Crewe area.

His second near miss arrived nine minutes later with a left-footed effort that struck Dave Richards’ left-hand post and cannoned clear with the keeper beaten.

In contrast, the visitors’ attacks were limited, though Chris Dagnall flashed a shot across the face of goal and George Cooper’s dipping effort went a yard over the bar.

In the second half Crewe came more into it and had the better of the few opportunities created.

Chris Porter missed the best of them midway through, collecting Cooper’s shot before turning and shooting straight at Roche. He also spurned another effort and, with Richards holding Steve Old’s header, that looked to be that.

Ng had other ideas, however, and won the game with a quality strike.

Morecambe: Roche, McGowan (Lund 12), Old, Lavelle, Brough, Kenyon, Fleming, Thompson (Lang 75), McGurk (Wildig 62), Ellison, Oliver. Subs not used: Nizic, Campbell, Muller, Rose.

Crewe Alexandra: Richards, Nolan, Walker, Stubbs, Bakayogo, Ng, Pickering (Grant 90), Bowery (Reilly 76), Dagnall, Cooper (Ainley 76), Porter. Subs not used: Garrett, Kirk, Finney, Lundstram.

Referee: Scott Oldham.

Attendance: 927.