Shrimps’ midfielder Aaron Wildig’s first goal of the campaign proved the difference in the Emirates FA Cup First Round against Newport County.
The home side enjoyed the opening 15 minutes of proceedings and did everything other than find the back of the net, with the Exiles looking to end the first half on the front foot.
As conditions deteriorated, with strong winds and heavy rain battering the Mazuma Stadium, it was Wildig who, seconds after coming on, found space at the back post to slot home on 68 minutes which proved enough for Morecambe to secure a place in the Second-Round draw.
“The main thing is to win the game,” he said.
“As you could see, the conditions were really difficult, Newport a good side, new manager, all things for a cup upset if you like because we’re a league above.
“To come on, and I just thought to try and impact the game, I knew I could make those runs into the box and thankfully, the first touch of the game fell to me and it was just about getting a good contact and putting it in the net.
“I’m delighted to help the team.”
The 29-year-old’s substitute appearance marked only his fifth appearance of the season in all competitions following several injuries and illness, but he is itching to get back to a position where he can be on hand to help the side more often.
Wildig continued: “It’s been a really, really difficult period actually for me.
“I did okay in pre-season, and then I had a hamstring injury before the week, then I got really ill.
“My first game back against Burton, I rolled my ankle unopposed and that blows up so, I got no rhythm and stuff like that, but I’m just trying now to hopefully build up a bit of fitness to try and get back involved and affect the squad.”