WAYNE Curtis gave Morecambe the perfect start to Mission Football League with the winner as the Shrimps saw off Halifax Town.

But the 1-0 Christie Park win was as much down to an exceptional goalkeeping display from Ryan Robinson as the goal from Curtis as the Tykes made it tough for Morecambe.

In fact, Morecambe failed to reach the heights as they often struggled against a committed Halifax.

But, heck. Who cares about the performance? The most important thing is the result and three points on the opening day is what matters.

And the Shrimps won't give a monkey's if they grind out 41 more three-point results.

Because if they can keep on winning without playing well then that Football League dream, so heartbreakingly snatched away on the last day of last season, may just become reality.

The Shaymen made the better start to the game with Ryan Sugden looking lively.

But the Shrimps went in front after 21 minutes when Curtis lobbed Ian Dunbavin in style after Michael Twiss flicked on a long ball out of defence.

Shortly after that strike Robinson denied John Grant when clear and then the young keeper, whose recent pulled muscle meant he couldn't take goal kicks, blocked a Lewis Killeen effort.

Ex-Morecambe man Sugden was becoming a real pain on his return to Christie Park and a superb save from Robinson prevented him from levelling the game, while Killeen, Grant and Greg Young also went close for the former League side.

But the Shrimps were still dangerous on the break and Garry Thompson nearly scored a first day goal of the season

The winger picked up the ball deep in his own half before racing through the heart of the Halifax defence.

He was one on one with Dunbavin - but with the keeper floundering, Thompson was unable to add the finish to match his movement.

Sub Danny Carlton could have added a second after Morecambe caught Halifax on the break but his shot was brilliantly saved by former Morecambe goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin to keep them in the game.

It was a save of exceptional quality from the Halifax man - but he was upstaged in the final moments when Robinson produced his final breathtaking save in a man of the match display.

Young's strike appeared to be flying into the top corner until Robinson managed to tip it away for a corner.

MORECAMBE: Robinson 9, Heard 7 (Carlton 70, 7), Bentley 7, Kempson 8, Blackburn 7, Howard 7, Thompson 7 (O'Connor 90), Perkins 7, Hunter 6 (Kelly 78), Curtis 7, Twiss 6

Subs (not used): Ruffer, Davies

Referee: A Haines

Attendance: 2,150