Superb win for Shrimps
MORECAMBE recorded their third successive win with a superb performance at Roots Hall.
Southend took the lead on the half hour through former player Kevan Hurst. The right winger cut inside and beat two Morecambe players before unleashing a left foot shot that took a wicked deflection before beating Barry Roche low to his left hand side.
The lads lasted just three minutes however as the Shrimps hit back superbly. Andy Fleming took the ball on the right hand side of the Southend area and curled a delightful left foot effort past the outstretched Daniel Bentley.
The goal gave the Shrimps a huge lift and they shocked Southend with a second goal just 14 seconds into the second half. Padraig Amond was played in on goal and although Bentley reacted sharply to save his first effort Fleming was on hand to slot home the rebound from 12 yards out.
Morecambe added a third on 55 minutes when Jack Sampson scored with a superb 30 yard effort for his first Football League goal.
The Shrimps were reduced to 10 men on 70 minutes when substitute Robbie Threlfall was shown a straight red card for a late challenge and Jim Bentley’s side were forced to pack their defence for the remainder of the game.
They were indebted to goalkeeper Barry Roche for two brilliant close range saves to maintain the two goal advantage and take the three points.
Southend: Bentley, White, Prosser, Phillips, Coker; Straker, Timlin (rep Atkinson 61), Leonard, Hurst, Eastwood, Woodrow (rep Corr 61). Subs not used: Smith, Reid, Clifford, Auger.
Morecambe: Roche, Wright, Parrish, Hughes, Diagne (rep Threlfall 63), Drummond, Fleming, Kenyon, Amond (rep Mwasile 83), Sampson (rep Williams 90), Ellison. Subs not used: Arestidou, Marshall, McGee, Doyle.
Ref: C Breakspear.
Att: 6080.