CITY'S reserves overcame wet and chilly conditions to grind out a 2-1 home victory over Morecambe at Apperley Bridge.

First-half goals by Kevin Toner and Ville Moilanen secured the points in the Central League fixture, although Luke Gordon did halve Morecambe's deficit after the interval.

Along with Toner, fellow professionals Joe Cracknell, Jacob Hanson, Daniel Pybus, Matthew Penney, Ellis Hudson and Daniel Devine also started the game.

Morecambe had the first sight of goal as defender Paul Dawson headed against the base of the near post from a corner.

City took the lead from a corner of their own seven minutes before the break when Toner swooped to power a downward header past keeper Niall Maher.

The hosts doubled their advantage when Alex Laird's volley was partially blocked and the ball dropped kindly into the path of Moilanen, who fired low past Maher.

Morecambe got themselves back into the game 20 minutes from the end when Gordon got the better of sub Sam Wright at the far post to latch on to a Leif Davis cross.

The impressive Pybus went close from a couple of good chances as City finished the stronger side.