It was a night to remember on Thursday evening, as Morecambe signed off 2022 with a convincing 2-0 win over Lancashire rivals Accrington Stanley.
The Shrimps were worthy of the three points, with goals from Liam Shaw and Jensen Weir securing the win in front of over 4,000 supporters.
It was an even opening to the half, as both sides were looking to impose themselves on one another. Accrington saw an effort cleared off the line by Cole Stockton early on, as the visitors corner into the six yard box caused havoc for the Shrimps defence, but Stockton did well to clear off the line.
At the other end, Liam Gibson tried his luck following a goal mouth scramble in the Stanley box, with the ball falling kindly for the Shrimps' number four, but his effort was blocked on it's way to goal.
The Shrimps were growing into the match and were looking confident both in and out of possession. They took the lead just after 30 minutes, as Cole Stockton did brilliantly well to keep hold of the ball and switch the play to the opposite side to Liam Shaw who shot into the box and fired an effort into the far corner.
Morecambe were looking impressive and were oozing confidence. They doubled their lead ten minutes later, as Jensen Weir slid home a first-time finish into the back of the net, after Ryan Cooney teed him up perfectly.
The Shrimps were worthy of a comfortable lead at the break, and went in at half-time two to the good.
Half-time: Morecambe 2 Accrington Stanley 0
The Shrimps were looking good for their lead early in the second half, as Accrington were struggling to break the hosts down.
Adam Mayor saw his effort from long-range held well by the Stanley goalkeeper, whilst Kieran Phillips got himself in a good position in the box midway through the second half, but some good defending ushered him out of the way for a shot on goal.
Joe Pritchard thought he'd found a goal for Stanley on 65 minutes, but Connor Ripley did well to make the save.
The likes of Arthur Gnahoua and Caleb Watts were introduced by Derek Adams, as Morecambe looked to finish the game off in style, with Cole Stockton looking for a spectacular late goal to complete the win, but all of the damage was done in the first half as Morecambe secured a first league win since October on derby day, and signed off 2022 in pleasing style.
Full-time: Morecambe 2 Accrington Stanley 0
Morecambe: Ripley, Melbourne (Mayor, 43'), Gibson, Rawson, Delaney, Stockton, Weir, Bedeau (Watts, 80'), Shaw, Cooney, Phillips (Gnahoua, 72').
Subs not used: Smith, Fane, Connolly, O'Connor.
Goals: Shaw (33') Weir (43')
Bookings: Bedeau
Red cards:
Accrington Stanley: Savin, Clark, Hamilton, Astley (Adekoye 59'), Coyle (Martin, 88'), Whalley (Woods 59'), Leigh, Pritchard (Nolan, 89'), Longelo (McConville, 72'), Rodgers, Conneely.
Subs not used: Jensen, Perritt, Martin.
Goals:
Bookings: Pritchard
Red cards:
Attendance: 4191 (500 away)