A Salford own goal was not enough for the Shrimps, as strikes from McLennon, Hendry and Tilt saw Morecambe fall to defeat on the road.
Morecambe were looking to bounce back from a narrow defeat on the road at Newport on Tuesday; a trip to struggling Salford City providing the Shrimps with an ideal opportunity to get back to winning ways.
The Reds had taken all three points in their last two meetings with The Ammies, but a point against high-flying Stockport in the week would surely give the home side confidence.
Neither side were able to wrestle real control of the fixture in the early stages, both teams being forced into a direct game on a difficult playing surface at the Peninsula stadium.
The game’s first big chance saw the deadlock was broken in the 13th minute, when Connor McLennon received the ball on the left-hand side. He weaved through the Morecambe back line, cutting inside and firing a right-footed effort beyond a stretching Archie Mair to give Karl Robinson’s side the lead. A smart finish from the Scotsman marking his first goal in 22 games.
Morecambe responded well, breaking quickly to thread Joe Adams through on the left. The Wigan loanee drove a low delivery across the six-yard box, but no one was there to meet it, and Salford scrambled clear.
The home side squandered a golden opportunity to increase their advantage in the 26th minute; a melee in the Shrimps' penalty area saw several attempts on Mair’s goal denied by some superb last-ditch defending. Mair himself producing a fine reflex stop from point blank range to ensure the deficit wasn’t doubled.
One-way traffic persisted for the remainder of the half; The Ammies looking to capitalise on their momentum by peppering the Reds area with crosses. Dan Chesters should’ve put Salford two goals to the good, clattering his effort off the crossbar from two yards out, as Morecambe struggled in what was a physical opening 45 minutes.
The referee’s whistle brought an attritional first half to a close, with the Shrimps trailing by a goal to nil.
Half-time: Salford City 1 Morecambe 0
Ged Brannan’s men began the second half a side apart from the one which ended the first. A positive, dynamic start saw Alex Cairns called into action for the first time, punching away a dangerous delivery from Gwion Edwards.
The Morecambe momentum was short-lived, however. A ball into Callum Hendry on the edge of The Shrimps area sat up for the number nine, who volleyed a looping effort over the rooted Mair from 25 yards, to silence a sizeable Shrimps away following.
Undeterred, The Reds continued to search for a way back into the fixture. Max Melbourne delivered a pinpoint free kick into the Salford area, which was nodded down for Substitute Jordan Slew; his powerful volley blocked from close range.
Morecambe’s persistence paid off in the 61st minute, as dangerous Shrimps corner dropped in the Salford box. Theo Vassell failed to clear, finding his feet in knots, and inadvertedly prodded the ball into his own net to give The Reds a lifeline.
Ged Brannan’s side continued to battle a deteriorating pitch and unwavering Salford side, in search of an elusive equaliser.
It was to be the home side who struck again, however, having looked the more threatening side all afternoon. The Ammies made use of their aerial threat with just over 10 minutes remaining, substitute Luke Garbutt delivered an inswinging corner. Curtis Tilt lost his marker, rising highest to nod home and restore his side’s advantage.
An uneventful close to the game offered little in the way of clear cut chances, and after five additional minutes, full time was called at the Peninsula Stadium.
Full-time: Salford City 3 Morecambe 1
Salford City: Cairns, Mariappa, Watt ©, Watson, Lund (McAlleny 73’), Hendry (Luamba 77’), McLennan (Davies 94’), Tilt, Chesters (Garbutt 73’), Morton (Smith 77’), Vassell.
Subs not used: Torrance, Ingram.
Goals: McLennan (13’), Hendry (50’) and Tilt (79’).
Bookings: None.
Red cards: None.
Morecambe: Mair, Bedeau ©, Songo’o, Adams, Garner (Larsson 71’), Senior, Stokes, Edwards (Brown 71’), Melbourne (Tutonda 65’), Khumbeni, Hiwula (Slew 45’).
Subs not used: Smith, C.Smith, Taylor.
Goals: Vassel OG (61’).
Bookings: Garner.
Red cards: None.
Attendance: 2,927 (669 away).
