GOLDEN GRAHAM LIFTS ARGYLE
DEREK Adams saluted the brilliance of match-winner Graham Carey after his moment of magic moved Plymouth a step closer to promotion.
The midfielder bagged his 13th goal of the season with a stunning 25-yard strike as the Pilgrims bounced back from three defeats in their last four home games.
Having taken seven points from their last three games, Plymouth have edged 11 points clear of fourth-placed Stevenage.
Pilgrims chief Adams said: “The first half was one of the best performances since I have been here.
“We had lots of shots on target and it was a fabulous finish from Graham.
“Morecambe pushed us all the way and it was up to us to be resolute.
“It’s a big win for us because we have been able to open up a gap on third place.
“We have won 22 games out of 38 this season and it shows you what a good squad we have.
“We are in a good place and the players will have a couple of days off now.”
Carey served notice of his intentions in the early stages, sending two long-range efforts past the post.
And after a swift Plymouth counterattack ended with Barry Roche saving Jake Jervis’ piledriver, the hosts struck the opener.
Carey collected Matty Kennedy’s pass, shifted the ball on to his left foot and bent a pearler into the top corner.
With Plymouth dominating possession and carrying a greater threat, Morecambe did come close to an equaliser when Lee Molyneux’s bouncing shot flashed past the post.
Gary Miller tested Roche with a fierce drive and Oscar Threlkeld’s looping header landed on the roof of the net as the Pilgrims finished the half in the ascendancy. Paul Mullin then wasted a glorious opportunity to snatch an equaliser.
Michael Rose’s defence-splitting pass sent the striker racing into the box only for Mullin to shoot high and wide.
Morecambe posed a greater threat and Rose’s curling free-kick forced Luke McCormick into a smart save low down.
Roche went full stretch to push Jervis’ shot around the post and the Shrimps keeper showed good reactions to cling on to Jervis’ close-range effort.
Morecambe’s slim play-off hopes suffered a blow after losing their fourth match on the spin.
Shrimps chief Jim Bentley conceded: “We knew we were coming to a top side in the division – and they are where they are because they are very good.
“They have been good throughout the season and have a nice blend with top players all over the park.
“They have a very good home support, who get right behind the team, and it’s a long journey for us – so we knew we were in for a tough game.
“I thought we started the game quite well but after that Plymouth showed their class, got on top and created a lot of good chances.”