BROMSGROVE'S spirit was not enough to match Morecambe's class as the Shrimps cruised into the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Morecambe plundered a goal in each half in the Midlands to ensure they will face Northwich Victoria at Christie Park on November 5.

The fireworks should go off on that date as the old rivals go head to head but the Shrimps proved on Saturday there is a steel to match their playing silk.

Bromsgrove, managed by ex-Burnley and Blackpool boss Jimmy Mullen, gave as good as they got with some neat football forcing the Shrimps onto the back foot for spells.

But as much as Rovers tried to press, Morecambe's quality told with the defence quite superb. Darran Kempson and Jim Bentley were on top form, meaning Bromsgrove were never likely to break through.

Any Morecambe nerves were soon calmed as the impressive Kieran Walmsley sent in a free-kick which was perfect for Sean O'Connor to power a header past Tim Clarke and into the bottom corner of the net.

Rovers fought back from the early shock but the Shrimps were content to soak up the pressure, which mainly resulted in tame long-range efforts.

And when Wayne Dyer skipped clear, Kempson was on hand to make the perfect decisive tackle.

Keeper Ryan Robinson made a good save to keep out Matt Johnson's effort as the interval approached and shortly after the break Robinson saved well again with his fingertips from Johnson Bromsgrove believed they could cause an upset and attacked but as they went forward they left gaping holes at the back and Wayne Curtis hit a post with a 25-yarder.

Shrimps did grab their second goal when Bentley's clearance found Danny Carlton, who held the ball up well before feeding the flying Walmsley.

He raced through the defence before to round Clarke and drive into the empty net to book that date with Northwich.

There was still time for Paul Lloyd to be denied by the busy Clarke but Morecambe didn't care about that after winning on their travels again in a cup competition.

Morecambe: Robinson 7, Walmsley 8 (Lloyd 83), Howard 7, Bentley 8, Kempson 9, Perkins 7, Kelly 7, Blackburn 7, O'Connor 7 (Carlton 46, 8), Curtis 8, Twiss 7 (Stringfellow 76). Subs (not used): Davies, Hunter Referee: Amy Rayner (Loughborough) Attendance: 919