Southport 1 Morecambe 1 MIDFIELDER Michael Knowles looks likely to miss Saturday's home match against Stevenage Borough after walking off injured in this derby match.

The well regarded 25-year-old had only just returned from injury since taking a back knock in the FA Cup against Oxford United back in October.

But there was good news for Shrimps fans during the Christmas period when it emerged that their club had rejected a second £30,000 plus bid for striker Justin Jackson.

There was plenty of those fans to cheer the news during the first of these two derby games against Southport on December 27. No fewer than 3,583 turned up to Christie Park and the game - a 3-3 thriller - had to be delayed for 15 minutes. It was the biggest Christie Park gate since 3,940 turned up for the Morecambe versus Halifax Town game in November 1997.

And the 2,202 crowd at Southport for this match contained more than a few diehard Shrimps. They were entertained by a tough match that was not without controversy - Southport equalised with a second half penalty that caused no end of protests by Morecambe players. It seemed that Andy Farrell had no chance to move out of the way when the ball hit his arm. And even more galling was the fact that he appeared to be at least two yards out of the area.

Neill Hardy had given the Shrimps the lead just before half time. He headed home a well placed Darren Lyons corner from six yards.

Morecambe, the superior side, should really have gone on to win the game. If not for that poor refereeing decision they would have.

Team: Banks, Fensome, Hardicker, McKearney, Farrell, Knowles (Keeling 67), Lyons (Milner 80), Drummond, Eastwood, Hardy, Takano.

Att: 2,202.

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