Newport six points adrift after drawing with Morecambe

Rock-bottom Newport failed to make the most of their game in hand as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Morecambe.Aaron Williams had put the Exiles ahead with an 18th-minute tap-in, but Michael Rose's clever free-kick midway through the second half ensured the Shrimps remain 15th in League Two.Newport, six points from safety after four draws from five games, made the brighter start, but Morecambe goalkeeper Barry Roche was on hand to thwart two Craig Reid efforts in quick succession.The Exiles were soon rewarded for their blistering opening as Williams reacted quickly to Ryan Bird's scuffed effort to fire in at the back post.Morecambe, who had won three out of their last four games before tonight, responded smartly and had chances to level through Ryan Edwards and Alex Whitmore who headed over from successive corners before Paul Mullin volleyed wide.