Morecambe secured their place in the next round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 victory over National League North rivals Southport at the Halo Aerospace Stadium on Saturday. The winning goals came in the second half, as Paul Lewis opened the scoring with a diving header in the 55th minute, followed by a late finish from Isaac Buckley-Ricketts to seal the win.

The first half saw limited clear opportunities for either side. The game’s best chance before halftime fell to Southport’s Dylan Dwyer, whose strike on 43 minutes forced a strong save from Morecambe goalkeeper Myles Boney after the ball took a deflection. The match gained momentum after the interval when Morecambe broke the deadlock. Lewis connected with a threatening free-kick from Jake Cain to steer the ball into the net, giving the hosts a crucial advantage.

Southport responded by pressing for an equalizer and created several scoring opportunities. However, Boney was instrumental in maintaining Morecambe’s lead, denying shots from Adam Moseley and Teddy Lavelle with impressive saves. Morecambe nearly extended their lead when Cain unleashed a volley that was saved by Southport goalkeeper Douglass Lukjanciks.

Buckley-Ricketts ultimately secured the victory late in the game, calmly slotting a left-footed finish from inside the penalty area during a breakaway move. The win ensures Morecambe advances in the FA Cup and will look ahead to returning to league play with an away match against Oxford City next weekend.