A second-half strike from super sub Jordan Slew saw the Shrimps make it back-to-back wins under the lights at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.
Chances for both sides fell by the wayside in a goalless first half, before Slew converted from eight yards to ensure the points stayed in Morecambe.
Ged Brannan’s men were looking to build on a thrilling comeback victory last time out against Crewe Alexandra; knowing a win could see them end the day eighth, just a point outside the play-offs.
The Shrimps applied the pressure early, looking dangerous on the counterattack, however a Klaidi Lolos header saw the first half-chance of the game fall the way of the visitors.
Finding their rhythm, Morecambe carved out the best opportunity of the opening quarter-hour; a glancing header from Gerard Garner almost sneaking beyond Corey Addai in the Crawley goal, but ultimately flying inches over the crossbar.
The Sussex side’s midfield physicality continued to disrupt what was an end-to-end encounter, with neither side able to gain any meaningful control of possession as they pushed for an elusive opener.
The most clear-cut chance of the first half fell against the run of play. A quickfire break saw Brannan’s side outnumbered at the back; Ronan Darcy clattering his powerful effort off the inside of Archie Mair’s near post, before being scrambled clear.
The Reds appeared to find another gear as the interval approached, causing Town problems with a series of fluid passing moves. Addai was called intoaction on several occasions, but all attempts on his goal were rebutted.
Crawley squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead seconds before half time; a stunning, reflex save from Mair denying Lolos at point-blank range.
Despite chances for both sides, there was nothing to separate them as Matt Corlett called time on the first period.
Half-time: Morecambe 0 Crawley Town 0
The second half began as the first one ended, with both teams pressing for the games opening goal.
The visitors made the brighter start, the dangerous looking Lolos forcing a last-ditch block from Farrend Rawson as he weaved through a flat-footed Shrimps defence.
Danilo Orsi then looked certain to break the deadlock, sliding in to meet a looping delivery from the right, before firing over from two yards out.
The Shrimps remained vigilant, however, and their persistence would pay dividends in the 69th minute. A free-flowing move saw Joel Senior released down the right-hand side, his low driven delivery initially dealt with by Addai, before substitute Jordan Slew stroked home the rebound for his sixth of the season.
Slew’s emphatic finish invigorated the already vocal Morecambe support, and the Halo terrace rarely fell silent for the remainder of the game.
Scott Lindsay’s men continued to probe a resolute Morecambe defence as the fixture neared its conclusion, but failed to capitalise on the few chances they created. After seven minutes of additional time, it would be Ged Brannan’s men who ran out deserved winners.
Full-time: Morecambe 1 Crawley Town 0
Morecambe: Mair, Bedeau, Rawson ©, Songo’o (Stokes, 90’), Adams, Garner (Edwards, 79’), Larsson (Slew, 55’), Senior, Brown (Hiwula, 55’), Melbourne, Khumbeni (Davenport, 79’).
Subs not used: Smith, Tutonda.
Goals: Slew (69’).
Bookings: Brown, Khumbeni, Songo’o, Hiwula.
Red cards: None.
Crawley Town: Addai, Gordon (Tsaroulla, 79’), Conroy ©, Ransom, Lolos, Orsi, Darcy (Roles, 78’), Forster (Adeyemo, 87’) , Kelly (Campbell, 67’), Williams, Wright.
Subs not used: Sandford, Mukena, Tsaroulla, Khaleel.
Goals: None.
Bookings: Wright, Williams, Orsi.
Red cards: None.
Attendance: 2997 (65 Away).
