Telford United 0 Morecambe 3

Last updated : 08 March 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Impressive Morecambe boosted their play-off ambitions with an inspired performance in a convincing 3-0 victory at lacklustre Telford.

After a quiet opening spell, the visitors took the lead on nine minutes when a cross from Dave McKearney was only half-cleared by Bucks defender Mark Foran and Lee Elam, a constant threat all afternoon, made no mistake as he fired the ball past Paul Edwards from close range.

That goal appeared to be the signal for Morecambe to lay siege on the United goal, but a string of missed chances denied them the chance to extend their lead.

Ironically, it was Elam who missed a gilt-edged chance on 19 minutes when Robbie Talbot's cross found him unmarked eight yards out, but he somehow managed to slice the shot wide with the goal at his mercy.

Elam and Talbot both went close to doubling their side's lead before the woodwork saved Telford on 32 minutes when another pin-point cross from Elam found Garry Thompson who headed against the bar.

Telford went on a rare attack just before half time and Paul Moore appeared to be brought down by Morecambe goalkeeper Craig Mawson but referee Andy Woolmer waved away appeals for a spot-kick.

The Bucks were struggling to gain any momentum but did have their first shot on goal on 51 minutes when captain Steve Palmer played in Moore, who was unfortunate to see his curling shot well saved by Mawson.

Morecambe continued to look dangerous on the break and finally grabbed a deserved second six minutes from time when a cross from Adriano Rigoglioso led to a goalmouth scramble and Wayne Curtis benefited when he toe-poked home from close range in the melee.

Telford's misery was complete on 87 minutes when a shot from substitute Jamie Murphy took a wicked deflection off defender Kevin Davies and wrong-footed Edwards to nestle in the bottom corner.