Accrington Stanley celebrated a victory over local rivals Morecambe in the first of a double-header.
The sides meet again New Years Day, but Lutel James' 33rd minute goal separated the play-off challengers at the Interlink Express Stadium.
The Reds were always in charge and things went from bad to worse for Morecambe when sub Ryan Sugden was sent off on 76 minutes.
"It was a tough game out there," said Stanley boss John Coleman. "They are a good side but perhaps did not have the cutting edge.
"But it was a good goal by Lutel. He has not scored in a while, but he is a bubbly character and when he is scoring it is good for his confidence." There were no real clear cut chances in the opening 30 minutes. Rory Prendergast was a constant threat for Stanley on the left wing and he came closest on 11 minutes, but his blistering shot was saved by Craig Mawson.
Ged Brannan headed over on 22 minutes before the former Manchester City man played in a great ball from the left wing. It came to Paul Mullin and he set up James, who fired home for his first goal in eight games.
Prendergast then had an effort saved by Mawson before Morecambe boss Jim Harvey threw on two new forwards in Sugden and Nick Rogan, however it all went wrong for Sugden when he was sent-off for a second bookable offence on 77 minutes.
Mullin had a chance at the death for Stanley to make it safe, but the Reds held out for all three points.