MORECAMBE almost ended their long wait for an away win at Northwich but were left frustrated after throwing away a two-goal lead.

The Shrimps appeared to be well on course to return from Cheshire with maximum points only to be denied late in the day despite bossing the match.

The game started well for Jim Harvey's men as they had all the early running against Victoria and it came as no surprise when they went into the lead with just 11 minutes on the clock.

A swift passing move left the Northwich defence floundering as David Perkins set Michael Twiss free and the former Chester goal bandit fired home his first for the Shrimps.

Northwich tried to get straight back into the game but More-cambe's defence soaked up anything that was thrown at them and defence turned into attack in style.

This time Twiss turned provider as he raced away from his marker before crossing to the unmarked Danny Carlton, who made no mistake from 10-yards.

Twiss started his career as a junior at Manchester United and his class told with Northwich's defence never getting close to him.

Indeed, he could have made it 3-0 when a rip-roaring run and shot forced a fine save out of Vics' keeper Andy Ralph.

But just when it appeared Morecambe could do no wrong a moment of madness handed Northwich a lifeline back into the match.

Steve Garvey's free-kick was aimed towards the middle of the penalty area and the waiting Mark Foran. Jim Bentley then palmed the ball away from Foran, leaving referee Colin Sargeson with little option other than to award the penalty.

Bentley escaped with a yellow card but Morecambe were not so lucky as Paul Brayson blasted home the spot kick.

That incident came at the worst time just 10 seconds before the interval and was, remarkably, Vics' first shot of the match.

And the goal appeared to deflate the Shrimps as veteran Jon McCarthy started to stamp his authority on proceedings with a series of runs opening up Morecambe's hassled defence.

But it appeared Jim Harvey's men would hold firm as the clock ran down and they could have solved any potential problems when Gary Thompson centred for Nick Rogan.

He hit his shot well but Ralph managed to scramble the ball clear and seconds later Northwich made their point.

As they piled forward Ian Brayson found Chris Thompson and the substitute lashed the ball into the roof of Sollitt's net to make it 2-2.

Things could have got worse for Morecambe when ex-Grimsby man Thompson shot on the turn and beat Sollitt but this time the ball bounced to safety off a post.

MORECAMBE: Sollitt, Black-burn, Swan, Bentley, Perkins (Edwards 34), Thompson, Hunter (Dodgson 88), String-fellow (Rogan), Twiss, Curtis, Carlton. Subs not used: Gregoire, Mahoney.

TEENAGER Phil Edwards has joined Morecambe on loan from Wigan Athletic.