Morecambe 0 Kettering 2

SATURDAY'S performance against Kettering was even more alarming, coming only days after Chester City became the first visitors to Christie Park this season to claim three points.

A lively first half, saw Phil Eastwood head against the woodwork for the Shrimps and former Leeds United star Carl Shutt dither in front of goal at the other end.

Morecambe keeper Mark Smith had a busy 45 minutes, but nothing could have prepared him for what happened when Dale Watkins broke with the ball midway through the second period.

The striker burst into the penalty area where he was brought down by the onrushing Smith, who received a yellow card for his troubles. Watkins himself got up to convert the penalty, to the delight of the visiting fans whose team had been holding up the conference table.

Midfield powerhouse Stewart Drummond looked to be the player most likely to create an equaliser, but the semi-pro international found visiting keeper Colin Vowden, who's had to pick the ball out of the net at least once in every game this term, in fine form. In the dying moments of the game, Dave McKearney, Morecambe's captain and most impressive player so far this term, knocked a sloppy backpass in the direction of Smith.

Kettering's Lee Hudson intercepted and made the game safe, leaving Morecambe fans scratching their heads as they wondered what happened to the promising form in the first few games of the season.