Morecambe maintained their promotion push with a fine victory over league leaders Cheltenham Town at the Mazuma Stadium.

Liam McAlinden’s first goal of the season in the 20th minute was enough to earn the Shrimps all three points to further consolidate their place at the top end of the table.

McAlinden was one of two changes made by boss Derek Adams after last weekend's victory at Harrogate Town, coming in for Alex Kenyon with Sam Lavelle also returning to the squad in place of the suspended Nathaniel Knight-Percival.

Both sides began brightly with Lavelle heading over Aaron Wildig’s corner and Shrimps keeper Kyle Letheren holding Sam Smith’s early effort before Adams' side took the lead with McALinden’s fine finish after the ball was deflected into his path.

Cheltenham hit back with Lewis Freestone heading over a Liam Sercombe cross but the Shrimps defended well and took their lead into half-time.

Letheren was forced to make an early save from Alfie May and then did well to block a long range effort from Callum Wright who went close again when he volleyed over Finn Azaz’s right wing cross.

The Shrimps were forced to make some superb defensive blocks with John O’Sullivan and Toumani Diagouraga throwing their bodies on the line.

Letheren then held efforts from Sercombe and Smith before the latter caused an injury time scare when he volleyed inches wide after a smart turn and shot from the edge of the box.

But the Shrimps held on for an excellent win to record the double over their high flying opponents.

Morecambe: Letheren, Mellor, Lavelle, Davis (rep Hendrie 68), Gibson, Diagouraga, Wildig, O’Sullivan (rep Pringle 90), Mendes Gomes, McAlinden (rep Cooney 66), Stockton. Subs not used: Halstead, Denny, Price.

Cheltenham Town: Flinders, Long, Tozer, Freestone (rep Vassilev 83), Blair (rep Azaz 50), Thomas, Sercombe, Wright (rep Williams 78), Hussey, May (rep Chapman 83), Smith. Subs not used: Harris, Horton, Addai.

Ref: M Edwards.