MORECAMBE'S pre-season build up continued, and they looked useful as neighbours Blackpool visited Christie Park for a seaside derby.

Despite the last minute winner by new Blackpool signing Neil Murphy, the Shrimps looked well capable of living with a team a division above them.

However, Morecambe's failure to convert chances in front of goal is sure to prey on the mind of boss Jim Harvey.

Morecambe created most of the first half chance, but Blackpool could have gone in front when John Murphy's towering header looped over the stricken Andy Banks and on to the crossbar.

With Morecambe struggling to clear, Seasiders skipper Phil Clarkson stooped to head the ball on the goalline, but his header again ricocheted off the bar, this time into the grateful arms of Banks.

It was Morecambe who took the lead on the 40 minute mark. New signing Andy Lyons was at the far post to fire home after the Blackpool defence failed to clear a ball which pinged around the penalty area.

It capped a reasonable second Morecambe debut for the postman turned winger, playing against his home town club.

His first spell at Christie Park was as a raw youngster, but he now brings with him a lengthy career in the football league, and his trickery and shooting ability should be a boon for the coming Conference campaign.

Within a minute, however, Blackpool were level. Young Morecambe defender John Hardiker's absence from the pitch allowed former million pound man Mike Milligan to shoot past a stranded Banks with a mis-hit shot.

Blackpool's superior fitness began to show in the second half, and they dominated possession without really creating many chances.

But, with 88 minutes on the clock, John Hills picked up the ball on the left by-line and fired it across the six yard box.

A scramble in the six yard box saw no-one manage to get a touch, but substitute Neil Murphy arrived quickly at the far post, scoring with a low shot that had more than a passing resemblance to the first goal of the game.

Morecambe's lack of goals looks to be a problem, with no adequate replacement for Justin Jackson.

However, for the most part, Morecambe held their own against a side expected to challenge for promotion next season.

Shrimps got a taste of top class action on Wednesday night when visitors Middlesboro' turned up at Christie Park and beat them 3-0. A stronger second half performance by the home club kept the score respectable.