Portsmouth 3-0 Morecambe

Morecambe's Kevin Ellison shoots just over the bar against Portsmouth.

Jim Bentley’s side enjoyed a large share of possession but it was Portsmouth’s extra sharpness in the final third that proved vital on Saturday.

The Shrimps went into the game looking to build on last week’s victory over Bury but found themselves a goal down after just 10 minutes when a long throw from Danny Hollands caused problems for the Morecambe defence and top scorer Craig Westcarr volleyed home at the second attempt.

Kevin Ellison was causing problems at the other end of the pitch and forced Jack Whatmough to concede a foul and earn the game’s first booking, which could have been a red.

Morecambe's Jamie Devitt on the ball back from injury against Portsmouth.

The veteran forward then did well to bring down a long ball and draw a fine save from Paul Jones low to the keeper’s right.

Jed Wallace went close with an effort that flew narrowly over moments earlier, while the excellent Scott Davies did well to deny Westcarr a second goal with a smart stop.

The atmosphere picked up towards the end of the half when Marcus Bean was booked for a challenge on Alan Goodall, that again could have earned a red card.

The Shrimps then had their best spell of the game but Paul Mullin missed two good opportunities either side of the break.

On 44 minutes Mullin beat Whatmough to a cross, only to send his close range header wide and seconds after the restart failed to make the most of Ryan Edwards’ superb through ball.

He was made to pay as Portsmouth strengthened their advantage by scoring a superb goal on 54 minutes.

Storey got clear down the left and whipped in an excellent cross that Wallace converted with a bullet header.

From there Davies was forced into a string of fine saves with three top quality blocks from Ryan Taylor to keep his side in the game.

Morecambe went close to pulling one back when Ellison clipped an effort inches wide after a lovely move but it was Portsmouth who scored again when Wallace was found superbly by Story and he fired home past Davies.

Portsmouth: Jones, Fish, Whatmough, Robinson, Butler, Wallace, Hollands, Bean (Attanganga 90), Story, Taylor, Westcarr. Subs not used: Poke, Chorley, Holmes, Shorey, Close, Wynter.

Morecambe: Davies, Beeley, Hughes, Parrish (McCready 76), Edwards, Wilson, Fleming, Goodall (Redshaw 61), Kenyon, Ellison, Mullin (Devitt 76). Subs not used: Lumley, Watson, Wright, Williams.

Referee: G Ward.

Attendance: 14,349 (115 away)