SAMMY McIlroy lavished praise on defender Chris Blackburn after the crowd favourite scored the winner as Morecambe saw off Northwich Victoria on Tuesday night.

Blackburn, who had a fine game at the heart of the defence, popped up to score Morecambe's second goal in the tight 2-1 win.

And the manager says: "It was an excellent goal and Blacky did so well.

"It took an age for it to drop and he had to adjust but he did very well. He was tremendous all night and defended superbly.

"He is always a threat when he goes forward and I am delighted for him."