Newport county closed the gap on League Two’s top three with an impressive win at Morecambe on a very windy afternoon at the Mazuma stadium.
Goals from Matty Dolan, Josh Sheehan and Kevin Ellison gave County all three points in what proved to comprehensive victory against their play-off rivals.
Morecambe struggled to get going after being reduced to 10 men, despite a stunning goal from Yann Songo'o in the first half on an afternoon which was heavily affected by the weather conditions.
Story of the match
Both sides came into the match looking to solidify their spot in the League Two play-off places, with the two teams both showing a great attacking intent following the kick-off.
The hosts missed a good opportunity to give themselves an early lead when Cole Stockton saw his well struck shot blocked in the box after Carlos Mendes Gomes chested down a pinpoint cross from John O'Sullivan into his path in just the third minute.
But it was Michael Flynn's side who managed to get themselves ahead after eight minutes when Matty Dolan followed up his two midweek goals with another by converting from the spot after centre-back Sam Lavelle was judged to have handled in the area when trying to defend a cross from Scot Bennett.
It didn't take long for the Shrimpers to reply however, Yann Songo'o carrying the ball from the deep before equalising with a sensational 35 yard thunderbolt.
Morecambe failed to capitalise after scoring though, eventually being reduced to 10 men after Lavelle again got into trouble while defending, deservedly seeing red after pulling down Ryan Taylor while he was through on goal.
Things then only got worse for the Lancashire side, Newport retaking the lead in first half stoppage time when Josh Sheehan skilfully danced past two defenders before finessing the ball into the far corner from the edge of the box.
Following the break, Derek Adams’ side began to enjoy more of the possession but struggled to create any clear cut chances to get themselves back into the game, coming closest when Exiles goalkeeper Nick Townsend produced a good reflex save to deny Harry Davis looping overhead kick after he got on the end of a dangerous Kelvin Mellor cross.
Substitute and former Shrimper Kevin Ellison finally however put the games result beyond any doubt when he fired home from the edge of the box after being played in by a back heel from fellow sub Nicky Maynard.
Despite a surge of late attacking pressure from the hosts, Flynn's side were able to comfortably hold on for all three points.
The victory sees Newport leap-frog their hosts into fourth place in league two, while Morecambe fall to seventh.
Man of the match - Matty Dolan
After opening the scoring for the Exiles, his third in the last two games, Dolan continued to control the game from the centre of the pitch.
His versatility made him the lynchpin for all of Newport's attacking and defending, with his long passes creating serious problems for the Shrimps defence all afternoon.
Dolan also asked questions with the quality of his set piece deliveries throughout the match, his pinpoint balls into the box nearly allowing his team to extend their lead on a number of occasions.