Morecambe 2 Stockport County 0

Last updated : 02 October 2007 By Footymad Previewer
Record buy Carl Baker looked like the snip of the season as his breathtaking brace helped Morecambe to a top-class win over Stockport.

The former Southport man is already catching the eye of bigger clubs, even at this embryonic stage of his Football League career.

But any scouts at Christie Park will have left with just one name on their pads. Baker appeared to be from another level as his tricky wing play was too much for County - and a goal in each half just added to the mix.

In the early stages, skill and talent were at a premium as Morecambe's Dave Artell and County's Matty McNeil were both booked within the first eight minutes after a series of ugly clashes.

But when the game settled down, Baker was denied a splendid goal by a great save from Conrad Logan as he volleyed Gary Thompson's wicked cross.

McNeil went close with a header before Baker struck in stoppage time in style. He broke from inside his own half and left three County defenders on the floor before curling a beautiful left-foot shot beyond Logan.

The Shrimps started the second period well and could have gone 2-0 ahead when Logan saved from Michael Twiss.

But the busy keeper was beaten on 66 minutes when Baker collected Damien Allen's smart ball and cut inside before unleashing an unstoppable shot from 25 yards.

The celebrations said it all - and Morecambe made sure they were not going to lose. In fact, Matthew Blinkhorn should have scored, while McNeil had a shot cleared off the line by Danny Adams in stoppage time.

There was still time for Jon Newby to go close - but he was denied by Logan.