The Shrimps fell to a 3-2 defeat against Exeter City on Sunday afternoon, confirming relegation from Sky Bet League One.
A close-range header and a last-minute strike by Cole Stockton was not enough to avoid the drop, with Jay Stansfield netting a hat trick at St James’ Park.
Both sides produced opportunities in what was a hotly contested opening 15 minutes, Stockton found an early route towards goal but found himself straying into an offside position.
A free kick from the halfway line by Josh Austerfield soared over to Farrend Rawson, who headed the ball towards goal, forcing City 'keeper Jamal Blackman into an easy catch.
In the 15th minute, Stockton played a fantastic ball through to Dan Crowley on the edge of the box, his venemous effort narrowly strayed past the far post.
The Grecians soon began to put the pressure on with a number of corners, Will Aimson catching the ball in the box in the 31st minute but firing well over Connor Ripley’s crossbar.
A late hit by Jensen Weir was the final chance for the Shrimps in the first half, the power was there but it was straight down the throat of Blackman.
Half time: Exeter City 0 Morecambe 0
Four minutes into second half, Exeter broke the deadlock as the ball was worked to Stansfield, the Fulham-loanee fired home at close range to make it 1-0.
The Shrimps were not behind for long, Niasse sent a beautifully placed ball to the edge of Exeter’s box where Stockton capitalised on a miscommunication at the back before heading home the equaliser.
Just four minutes later, Stansfield fired the hosts in front for the second time after receiving the ball from a well-delivered cross before firing past Ripley.
Morecambe fought hard in the following minutes to level proceedings once more, but Stansfield was able to find a third, once again netting from close range.
Jensen Weir took a late shot as the Shrimps desperately looked to force a way back into the game, smashing the ball from inside the penalty box in hope to close the lead, however, Blackman managed to get a glove to it to deflect the ball behind for a corner.
With what proved to be one of the last moments of action, Stockton netted his and Morecambe's second of the game, cutting the host’s advantage down to one in extra time.
Full-time: Exeter City 3 Morecambe 2
Morecambe: Ripley, Gibson, Rawson (Shaw 62'), Taylor (Delaney 44'), Crowley (Hunter 55'), Stockton, Gnahoua (Niasse 46'), Weir, Bedeau, Cooney (Mayor 55'), Austerfield (Simeu 85').
Subs not used: Smith.
Goals: Stockton (53’, 90+14').
Bookings: Weir, Mayor, Hunter.
Red cards: None.
Exeter City: Blackman, Key, Grounds, Aimson, Hartridge (Sweeney 35'), Mitchell (Sparkes 63'), Collins, Chauke (Kite 62'), Borges (Caprice 74'), Stansfield (Cox 74'), Nombe (Scott 87').
Subs not used: Coley.
Goals: Stansfield (49’, 57’, 68’).
Bookings: Caprice.
Red cards: None.
Attendance: 7,386 (658 away).