MORECAMBE face the biggest week of the season so far, with a golden opportunity to reach the semi-finals of the FA Umbro Trophy, followed by a big local derby.

On Saturday, Morecambe travel to Margate in the Trophy.

The Shrimps have already beaten the Essex side at Christie Park earlier this term, and now hope to repeat that feat on the road to Villa Park.

Striker Wayne Cutis - a revelation in recent weeks - is suspended, which means that the attention has switched to Robbie Talbot.

The former Burscough ace, injured since before Christmas, is said to be getting closer to match fitness.

Whether he plays at the weekend or in next week's England semi-professional clash remains to be seen.

On Tuesday, Southport are the visitors to Christie Park for the traditional Lancashire coastal derby, delayed from New Year's Day.

Talbot and Stewart Drummond will both be on England semi-pro duty.

In this week's action, Jim Harvey's side secured a 1-0 victory and slipped to a 1-0 defeat in two away games into relatively uncharted water.

Saturday's game at Barnet was a dull affair as both sides struggled to play their football.

However, a late goal by substitute Toby Oshitola secured victory for Barnet's new manager, Peter Shreeves.

On Tuesday, in only Morecambe's second league visit to Hilton Park, the Shrimps grabbed a useful 1-0 victory against a side who are struggling for survival.

Drummond was again influential, and could have scored the first goal with a long-range pile driver inside the first 10 minutes which was well saved by Mark Westhead.

That was as near as either side got in a dour first half but, on 56 minutes, the Shrimps found a way past the resolute Leigh defence.

A Curtis shot was blocked on the line but Drummond was first to the rebound to secure three points.

Michael Twiss and Ged Kielty could have equalised, but the Shrimps hung on to grab the three points.

Morecambe's reserves also had an impressive week, with a 16-0 victory against Lancashire rivals Bamber Bridge.