MORECAMBE 2, ALDERSHOT TOWN 0
TWO second-half goals clinched a first win in 10 games for Morecambe, while condemning Aldershot to a seventh successive league defeat on their travels.
Aldershot were probably the better side for nearly an hour on their long trip to Lancashire on Saturday, but that was little comfort to Gary Waddock who is desperate for Aldershot to replicate their home form on the road and reward the loyal supporters who follow the Shots all over the land.
"It was an indifferent performance in my opinion," said the manager. "We had our chances, but we missed a penalty, hit the crossbar, and then concede two sloppy goals. It's the same old, same old... and very disappointing. We wanted to kick on from the win and performance on Tuesday.
"The man of the match was their goalkeeper, so there are positives, but at the end of the day you just look at the result."
It could have been so different if John Grant had converted a penalty shortly before half-time.
Referee Rob Shoebridge pointed to the spot after Danny Hylton had been brought down and Grant's kick looked destined for the corner of the net until Barry Roche, renowned for his penalty-stopping, got across to make an improbable save.
Aldershot, with Anthony Straker coming in for the suspended Anthony Charles at left-back, were the more creative side in the first half, only to be frequently thwarted by Roche, the former Nottingham Forest keeper.
A great run by Hylton led to a chance for Kirk Hudson whose firm shot was kept out by Roche. Then Ben Harding's through-ball was cleverly laid off by Grant, sending Hylton clear, but Roche had read the danger and came out to deny the youngster.
Morecambe, meanwhile, were making little impression on a disciplined Shots defence, with Chris Blackburn standing strong against his former club (he was warmly applauded by the home fans before kick-off).
When the Shrimps did break through, Nikki Bull was equal to Ryan McGivern's long-range effort.
Wayne Curtis had a decent chance in injury time, but Aldershot continued to look the better side on the restart. Louie Soares and Straker tried their luck from distance and then Roche was forced into another vital save by the eager Soares.
However, Aldershot were to rue that earlier penalty miss and the game changed dramatically 11 minutes into the half.
McGivern, the on-loan Manchester City teenager, was giving the visitors the most trouble and it was his slick work on the left that led to Stewart Drummond directing a low left-foot shot into the far corner.
Waddock immediately sent on Marvin Morgan and the tall target man promptly set up Grant whose far-post effort brought yet another fine stop from Roche.
Aldershot are just not getting the rub of the green away from home. Harding's superb long-range drive deserved to be a goal, but Roche got his fingertips to the ball and it deflected off the crossbar.
Morecambe put the game to bed on 69 minutes. Wayne Curtis, sent clear on goal, saw his shot blocked by Bull, but the ball ran to McGivern who scored with a precise left-foot shot.
A relieved Morecambe closed the game out to advance three places up the league table.
Morecambe: Roche, Yates, Bentley, Adams, McStay, McGivern, McLachlan, Drummond, Stanley, Curtis, Howe (Taylor 16), Taylor (O'Carroll 63). Subs (not used): Scott Davies, Wainwright, McCann.
Goals: Drummond 56, McGivern 69.
Aldershot: Bull, Osborne, Day, Blackburn, Straker, Soares (Morgan 60), Harding, Davies, Hudson (Donnelly 71), Grant, Hylton. Subs (not used): Chalmers, Elvins, Newman.
Attendance: 1,897.
Referee: Rob Shoebridge (Derbyshire).
* Aldershot hope to start a money-spinning FA Cup run this Saturday when they entertain struggling fellow League Two side Rotherham in the first round proper.