Report, highlights & reaction: Morecambe 1-2 Newport County

Morecambe's unbeaten home record in League Two ended with a defeat to Newport in Ged Brannan's first game in permanent charge of the Shrimps.

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Morecambe struck first in just the 13^th minute. JJ McKiernan did well to maintain possession fed Adam Mayor down the left-hand side, whose ball found Michael Mellon in the area, who turned superbly and fired low into the corner for his 12^th goal of the season.

The Shrimps perhaps could have been awarded a penalty on no fewer than three occasions, asthey saw appeals waved away by referee Ross Joyce.

The visitors were back on terms just before the half hour. A goalmouth scramble following a corner saw Will Evans fired home into the roof of the net.

McKiernan went agonisingly close from a corner, just before the break, but the midfielder saw his header rattle the crossbar.

The home side had a golden opportunity to take the lead soon after the restart, as Bloxham did excellently to break free on the right, flashing the ball across goal towards Mayor, who was just inches from turning the ball home at the far post.

Moments later, the Exiles were in front. A deep free kick was headed back across the six yard box, and there was Seb Palmer-Houlden to nod home from close range, for what proved to be the winning goal.

Mellon had a late chance to equalise for Morecambe, but the striker’s fierce drive was repelled by goalkeeper Nick Townsend.

The Shrimps have now lost five of their last six heading into their FA Cup second round clash at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

Morecambe: Smith, Tutonda (Melbourne, 79'), Bedeau, Rawson ©, Songo’o (Taylor, 79'), Bloxham, King, Mellon, McKiernan, Mayor, Senior.

Subs not used: Pedley, Slew, Stokes, Davenport, Walker.

Goals: Mellon (12').

Bookings: Mayor.

Newport County: Townsend, Payne, Delaney ©, Clarke, Evans (Charsley, 83'), Morris, Bogle, Bennett, Mcloughlin, Baker, Palmer-Houlden (Kiban Rai, 70’).

Subs not used: Waite, Wood, Maxted, Bondswell, Sanca.

Goals: Evans (28'), Palmer-Houlden (57').

Bookings: Bennett.

Attendance: 2,982 (83 away)