JIM Harvey could relax and smile after his Morecambe men earned their place in the last eight of the GLS Cup - but admitted he didn't really need the extra game.

The Shrimps beat Carlisle 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out to book their spot in the latter stages of a competition that has drawn apathy throughout the country.

And main man Harvey took plenty from a Christie Park entertainment fest, not least the practice for penalties that could come in handy later in the season.

"We probably didn't need the game," jokes Harvey.

"Getting through in this competition was not the most important thing but the penalties are a good experience for us.

"All the training in the world doesn't put you in that situation and we will actually learn something from that.

"Adam Sollitt did extremely well for us and that's good because if we make the Conference play-offs penalties could well come into play."

Those play-offs are the main priority for Harvey and his mind is now fully focused on Monday night's clash at Crawley Town.

The game has been moved at the behest of Sky TV and now the whole nation has a third chance to admire Morecambe.

And Harvey was keen to give his players a run out against Carlisle, especially as last Saturday's clash with Aldershot was postponed.

Says Harvey. "We would have had a couple of weeks without playing so it was good to give the lads a chance to open their lungs up.

"They were a little bit rusty at the start but on occasions the boys played some really good stuff and on another night we might have scored four or five goals.

"They needed the work out and that was good, although they probably didn't need the extra time.

"Quite a few of them were struggling through extra time but it was a case of having to battle away through it and it's nice to keep the winning habit going as well and I am happy about that."

A bonus for Harvey is the expected return of David Perkins and Wayne Curtis for the trip to Sussex and the Broadfield Stadium crunch with a Crawley side who have crept unnoticed into second spot.

"Perks has had the week off and Wayne's back is a lot better so hopefully they will both be okay for Monday.

"It will be a tough game but they all are at the minute and I am looking forward to it," adds Harvey.