A EASY victory against Burscough on Saturday ended a good week of pre-season friendlies for the Shrimps, which saw them compete well against league opposition.

In a match which could have seen seven or eight goals, Morecambe ran out easy winners and were head and shoulders above the opposition.

John Norman bagged two goals, Dave Miller scored another as did the youngster Gary Williams. The final score was Morecambe 4, Burscough 1.

Last Thursday Preston North End visited Christie Park and only two late goals from the impressive Michael Holt denied the Shrimps victory.

After falling behind to an early goal from the head of Simon Davey, Morecambe settled into their rhythm and a great strike by Williams levelled the score.

The Shrimps went ahead when Miller volleyed a Brian Healy corner into the net but injuries to Mike Bignall and Mark Ceraolo meant Morecambe lost their shape.

They were made to pay when Holt converted a penalty for a foul on Stuart King and a fabulous free kick from 25 yards out gave Banks no chance. Preston ran out winners 3-2.

The previous evening Bolton Wanderer's beat a Morecambe side who had enjoyed long spells of possession but were shot-shy in front of goal. Bolton scored in the 22nd minute when Scott Taylor coolly slotted the ball past McIlhargey but the Shrimps got back on level terms when Mark Ceraolo slammed a swinging Mark Shirley corner into the net.

But a goal from Lee Potter and a shot from Taylor in the dying minutes made the final score 3-1 to Bolton.

With just over a week before the start of the season manager Jim Harvey says he is happy with the way his side are shaping up, competing well against league opposition and running riot against non-league sides.

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