Fortress Valley Parade lives on after City made it four wins out of four tonight.

Goals from James Hanson , his fifth of the season, Kyel Reid and a wonderful free-kick from Gary Jones inflicted Morecambe’s first defeat on their travels.

Kevin Ellison was close to giving Morecambe a lead inside 30 seconds before City responded with Alan Connell’s shot turned round the post from Hanson ’s flick-on.

Connell had another chance on 20 minutes but his downward header, again from a Hanson set-up, was again saved by Barry Roche.

Rory McArdle headed over from a Jones corner as City continued to boss the half.

The breakthrough finally came just before the break when Kyel Reid’s first-time cross was superbly drilled home by Hanson.

Nathan Doyle forced another save from Roche after the restart before Morecambe finally woke up as an attacking force.

Robbie Threlfall was denied an unlikely goal on his Valley Parade return by Jon McLaughlin ’s save. Then Jones was the goalline hero to keep out a backheel from Richard Brodie.

City doubled their lead with another good finish from Reid eight minutes from time – his first at Valley Parade.

But Morecambe immediately pegged one back through Andy Parrish and McLaughlin was then forced into a low save from Ellison, hurting himself in the process.

City’s nerves were soothed, though, by a stunning set-piece from Gary Jones to bank another three points.