Morecambe were made to soak-up extreme second-half pressure in holding out to claim a hard-earned point at promotion-chasing Crawley.

Andrew Fleming drove Morecambe ahead with a fine half-volley in the 21st minute, but Crawley hit back to equalise through Scott Neilson who blasted home shortly after the interval.

Crawley defender Kyle McFadzean had a header parried onto the bar by keeper Barry Roche before Fleming gave Morecambe the lead with a first-time shot into the roof of the net from 14 yards.

Danny Carlton should have extended the Shrimps' advantage on the half-hour when put through by Lewis Alessandra, but wastefully put his left-foot shot wide.

Neilson levelled three minutes after the break with an unstoppable drive from the edge of the area having had a goal-bound shot parried by Roche moments earlier.

Striker Billy Clarke had a free-kick saved and Sanchez Watt shot wide as Crawley dominated possession, but Morecambe held firm.

PA Sport