THERE were beaming smiles from first-time scorers Junior Mendes and Lee Fowler - but Town's victory came at a cost.

Danny Schofield's second-half dismissal for allegedly headbutting and spitting at Morecambe's Michael Howard will cost him a club fine and a minimum three-match ban.

Whether his absence is extended beyond the upcoming matches against Walsall, Torquay and Luton will depend on the severity of referee Russell Booth's report.

Despite the provocation of seemingly being stamped on, such retaliation is not taken lightly and Town can ill afford to be without one of their most influential players at a time when injuries are biting and both Efe Sodje and Jon Worthington are already suspended.

Town played the final 38 minutes with 10 men - opting for a flat back four - but thankfully they were a goal to the good at that stage thanks to David Mirfin.

The big defender - credited with own goals in each of the last two matches - this time notched at the right end from Fowler's inswinging free-kick.

His back post header came just 71 seconds into the second half and settled Town nerves after a miserable first-half display in which they were lucky not to be at least two goals down.

Phil Senior made a fine 13th-minute save to deny Michael Twiss on the break and then watched in relief as an unmarked Chris Blackburn sent a free header over the top from Kieron Walmsley's left-wing corner.

Morecambe moved the ball nicely while frustrating Town by getting men behind the ball, and it took Mirfin's goal just to lift Jackson's men and a crowd of 3,831.

Excellent tracking of Garry Hunter by Worthington prevented the Shrimps from taking advantage of their extra man and it wasn't until the closing stages that Town were able to seal a place in Saturday's second round draw.

Nat Brown deserves credit for earning the second goal, battling hard for possession before being felled in the box by Blackburn for a penalty.

Mendes held off overtures from Fowler to take the spot kick, only to see his first effort easily saved by Adam Sollitt before earning a reprieve.

Someone had encroached, so he got a second chance and this time made no mistake for his first Town goal.

Fowler was rewarded for his generosity in the final minute when also getting his first for the club, this time from a 22-yard free-kick which was superbly struck into the far corner.

It wrapped up a less than easy win in which John McCombe made a highly encouraging first start for the club and Senior celebrated a second clean sheet in three appearances this term.

Man of the Match: Jon Worthington

Skippered the team and led by example with his hard work and superb tracking back to help out the defence. Town will miss him when he's suspended against Walsall on Saturday

HOW THEY RATED:

Phil Senior Excellent early save from Twiss to keep Town level. Handled and kicked well and kept defence ticking Rating: 7/10

Nat Brown One of few players to run at Morecambe in the first half. Battled well to earn the late penalty and was solid overall Rating: 6/10

Anthony Lloyd Found it hard to attack first half but went close with a shot early in the second and settled well in a flat back four Rating: 6/10

John McCombe Very solid display and close to the man of the match award. Tackled solidly, won headers and let nothing past Rating: 7/10

Nathan Clarke Took a few knocks while mopping up at the back. After Town's poor start, he made sure the defensive door was shut Rating: 7/10

David Mirfin After successive own goals (so called), he got one at the right end to get Town going. Solid contribution yet again Rating: 7/10

Lee Fowler Delighted to open his proper goal account for the club with a rasping last-minute free-kick. Prompted pretty well Rating: 6/10

Jon Worthington Two superb pieces of tracking back earned him top mark as he stopped Garry Hunter scoring on each occasion. Top work Rating: 8/10

Danny Schofield Got himself sent off for a headbutt and spitting at Michael Howard, who had allegedly stamped on the Town midfielder Rating: 4/10

Akpo Sodje Got a good reception from the fans when he went off after a hard working first start for the club. Pacy and strong Rating: 6/10

Junior Mendes Biggest cheer of the night when he scored his first Town goal from a twice-taken penalty. First of many, hopefully Rating: 6/10

VERDICT ON THE REF:

TOOK decisive action against Danny Schofield for allegedly headbutting Morecambe's Michael Howard just seven minutes into the second half and he was right on the spot to make the decision. Maybe, however, he should also have seen Howard apparently stamping to provoke the Town man.

Russell Booth is also set to report Schofield for spitting, so the three match ban could be increased by the FA disciplinary panel should they wish. Made a few very odd decisions in his eagerness to let the game flow, but he was also well placed to see Nat Brown tripped by Chris Blackburn for the penalty which effectively sealed Town's passage.

Morecambe: Sollitt, Perkins, Howard, Bentley, Twiss (Carlton 75), Curtis, Swan (Thompson 57), Heard (Stringfellow 72), Hunter, Walmsley, Blackburn.

Subs not used: McFlynn, Robinson.