Morecambe 1 Halifax Town 0

Last updated : 13 August 2005 By Footymad Previewer
Morecambe keeper Ryan Robinson produced a superb opening day performance to give his side the three points in this entertaining Conference clash.

Robinson made three stunning saves to break the hearts of a Halifax side who will be wondering how they travelled across the Pennines empty-handed after an excellent display.

Morecambe were far from their normally fluid best but they took the game as a result of a fine Wayne Curtis finish on 21 minutes when he nipped in between central defenders Denny Ingram and Peter Atherton to beat Ian Dunbavin with a well executed lob.

After a nervy opening spell it was Halifax who created the first chances.

In the tenth minute Chris Blackburn's header back to his keeper fell short and presented former Shrimp Ryan Sugden with a run on goal but central defender Darren Kempson produced a fine covering tackle.

Robinson was the first keeper in action when he saved Gary Brabin's volley from Martin Foster's corner and the Shrimps stopper was clearly relieved to see an Atherton header fly just wide of the left-hand post from a similar situation.

After facing the early pressure the hosts then took an all too simple lead through Curtis. It was then Robinson's turn to shine.

In the 32nd minute Sugden's flick-on gave John Grant a free run on goal but he was denied by Robinson's legs.

And the second half saw the young Morecambe keeper at his best again. He saved well from Grant on 47 minutes before producing his best save to flick over Greg Young's dipping header 20 minutes later.

On 73 minutes Sugden latched on to a throughball but saw his shot blocked by Robinson and the same player wasted a golden chance to equalise when free eight yards out only to skew his effort off target as Halifax's hopes of an opening day point were dashed.