Morecambe made it three straight league victories and lifted themselves out of the bottom four, with a gutsy 2-1 victory over Cheltenham Town.
The Shrimps took the lead in the first half thanks to Jensen Weir's goal, with Alfie May equalising just before half-time. The crucial goal came three minutes into the second half, as Kieran Phillips tucked home to give Morecambe the crucial win.
In an end-to-end opening half, both sides had a clear chances on goal. Dan Nlundulu came close with a powerful effort 15 minutes in for the visitors, whilst Liam Shaw saw his strike on goal go over the bar moments earlier.
Morecambe were battling hard and took the lead on 20 minutes through Jensen Weir's ninth goal of the season. Catching Cheltenham out with a clever counter-attack, the Shrimps played some clever football to get into the box and a give-and-go between Kieran Phillips and Jensen Weir allowed the latter the time and space to fire a first time shot into the net.
The Shrimps were looking lethal every time they went forward, playing some short, sharp football which Cheltenham were struggling to contend with. On 35 minutes, a cross into the box from Ryan Delaney was hit by Kieran Phillips with a superb overhead kick, but the strike was blocked by the goalkeeper.
Claims for a Morecambe penalty were waived away by the referee on 40 minutes, after Caleb Watts and a Cheltenham man collided. With the referee not deeming a foul to have taken place, the visitors went down the other end and caught Morecambe out with a long ball. With Alfie May in on goal, the striker finished well past Connor Ripley, and the scores were all square at the interval.
Half-time: Morecambe 1 Cheltenham Town 1
It was a wonderful start to the second half for Morecambe, who regained the lead just three minutes in. The Shrimps caught Cheltenham out with a blistering counter attack, allowing Ryan Cooney the space to play a great ball into the box. Kieran Phillips anticipated it well, took a touch and bundled the ball into the far corner to give the Shrimps the lead once again.
With the rain beginning to lash down, Morecambe were throwing their bodies on the line with some fabulous defending. Jacob Bedeau threw his body on the line, deflecting a free-kick out for a corner, whilst Liam Sercombe saw an effort go wide of the mark.
With ten minutes remaining, Ash Hunter was brought on for his first appearance since August. He replaced Caleb Watts.
Morecambe had to show another side to their game as the half wore on, and dug deep to hold on to all three points and secure a big victory.
Full-time: Morecambe 2 Cheltenham Town 1
Morecambe: Ripley, Gibson, Rawson, Delaney (Love, 69'), Weir, Bedeau, Watts (Hunter, 81'), Shaw, Cooney, Phillips, Mayor.
Subs not used: Smith, Love, Hunter, Connolly, Gnahoua, O'Connor, Simeu.
Goals: Weir (21'), Phillips (48')
Bookings:
Red cards:
Cheltenham Town: Southwood, Long, Taylor, Bradbury (Perry, 61'), Jackson (Olayinka, 85'), Ferry (Williams, 79'), Sercombe, Bonds (Norton, 61'), Broom, May, Nlundulu (Brown, 61')
Subs not used: Macdonald, Barkers
Goals: May (41')
Bookings: Perry
Red cards:
Attendance: 4,677 (127)