Match Report: Morecambe 0-3 Carlisle United
MORECAMBE suffered their fourth successive home league defeat when they went down to unbeaten Carlisle at the Globe Arena.
Danny Grainger’s 15th minute strike saw the visitors lead at half-time and two goals in seven minutes from Jason Kennedy wrapped up the three points despite a spirited Morecambe display.
Shrimps’ boss Jim Bentley had made six changes from the team which defeated Stoke City in the Checkatrade Trophy in midweek and the home side started brightly with Paul Mullin having an early free kick blocked and Kevin Ellison dispossessed when a shot might have been the better option.
Carlisle's former Shrimps' striker Shaun Miller and Nicky Adams both had efforts at the home goal before United took a 15th minute lead. Luke Joyce’s cross was only palmed out by Roche and Grainger was first to the loose ball, half-volleying home.
Peter Murphy and Barkhuizen had efforts off target and Stockton was denied by Carlisle keeper Mark Gillespie as the Shrimps sought a way back into the game.
An offside flag prevented Jabo Ibehre from doubling the visitors’ lead early in the second half, while Gillespie turned another Stockton effort behind. Ibehre sent a dipping shot narrowly off target before the visitors went 2-0 up on 73 minutes.
Tom Miller’s long throw bounced across the area and Kennedy found the net with an acrobatic finish. It was 3-0 with 12 minutes remaining when, seconds after Roche kept out Nicky Adams’ effort, Kennedy met a corner with a close-range header.
Stockton had another shot turned away by Gillespie as the visitors saw out time and kept their unbeaten record intact.
Morecambe: Roche, McGowan, Edwards, Whitmore, Jennings, Fleming, Murphy (Molyneux 69), Barkhuizen (Massanka 87), Mullin (Dunn 64), Ellison, Stockton. Subs: Nizic, Wakefield, Turner, Hedley.
Carlisle United: Gillespie, T Miller, Raynes, Gillesphey, Grainger, Kennedy, Jones (Brisley 88), Joyce (McKee 81), Adams, Ibehre, S Miller (Devitt 64). Subs: Crocombe, Atkinson, Ellis, Salkeld.
Referee: Kevin Friend.
Attendance: 3,773.