Match Report: Notts County 1-2 Morecambe
TWO Tom Barkhuizen goals saw Morecambe take three points at Meadow Lane.
Barkhuizen, who played at right wing back in a new system, put the Shrimps ahead in the 16th minute and added a second with a 55th minute penalty before Magpies sub Valdane Oliver pulled one back for the home side in the second minute of injury time.
Boss Jim Bentley made three changes to the starting line up with Michael Rose,Lee Molyneux and Liam Wakefield all recalled.
Barkhuizen's first goal came from a well worked corner. Rose floated over a corner to the far post and Barkhuizen was left unmarked as he volleyed past Adam Collin from 10 yards out.
The home side then hit back with former Blackburn Rovers man Jon Stead heading a left wing cross from Carl Dickinson inches wide of the left hand post with Barry Roche beaten.
The Morecambe keeper then did well to parry away a snapshot from Graham Burke and Dickinson was not too far away with a shot from 25 yards that sailed past the left hand post.
With the home fans becoming increasingly frustrated the Shrimps went on to dominate the closing stages of the first half with Cole Stockton once again leading the Morecambe line superbly.
The on loan Tranmere man blazed wide after wresting free of his marker when he should have done better but then forced Collin into three fine saves, the best a sharp, reflex save from a close range header in the 44th minute.
The Shrimps doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half when Louis Laing handled a Rose penalty and Barkhuizen made no mistake from the spot.
The home side then enjoyed plenty of possession but rarely troubled Barry Roche with Ryan Edwards producing a fine performance at the heart of the Morecambe defence.
The Shrimp' defence was breached two minutes into injury time when Oliver directed a header past Roche to give the home side a glimmer of hope but time ran out and the Shrimps claimed an excellent victory,
Morecambe: Roche, Wakefield, Edwards, Whitmore, Barkhuizen, Jennings, Fleming, Rose, Molyneux (rep Murphy 76), Stockton (rep Turner 80), Ellison (rep Mullin 89).
Subs not used: Nizic, Hedley, Massanka.
Booked: Edwards
Notts County: Collin, Duffy, Hollis (rep Audel 62), Laing, Tootle. Burke (rep Collins 63), Rodman, Richards, Forte, Stead (rep Oliver 62).
Subs not used: Loach, Milsom, Campbell, Aborah.
Booked: Dickinson, Forte.