NEWLY promoted Boston condemned Morecambe to another disappointing defeat, a result which leaves the Shrimps hovering ominously just one place above the Football Conference relegation zone.

Early pressure from the home side left Jim Harvey's side battered and bruised, with former Peterborough, Birmingham and Rushden and Diamonds man Miguel De Souza showing the pace which made him a favourite of that well known wheeler-dealer Barry Fry.

Boston's Andrew Stanhope fired a fierce drive which rattled the crossbar and Colin Hoyle also managed to turn a corner from Paul Wilson against the bar.

The breakthrough finally came thanks to former Preston North End star Paul Raynor. The ex-Deepdale favourite picked up the ball in midfield and crossed for Stanhope to score at the far post.

The Shrimps started the second half much stronger and looked to be getting on top, with Adriano Rigoglioso always looking to be the major threat for the visitors. However, against the run of play, Boston made the points safe. De Souza again threatened. Smith saved his header superbly, but was left stranded as James Dick followed up to score.

Andy Heald has often been a target for terrace criticism, but to give the young midfielder his due, he has kept his head up amidst the criticism.

And Heald made no mistake with a fine shot on 77 minutes which gave those Shrimps fans who braved the petrol crisis some hope.

However, once again Morecambe started playing way too late to make any difference. Although they continued to press, it was Boston who managed to hold on for three points.

Morecambe urgently need to arrest this alarming run of results before confidence becomes too low. A home game against moneybags Midlands side Telford on Saturday could well be the stage they need. Kick off at Christie Park is at 3pm.