Morecambe’s relegation from the Football League after 18 years was confirmed with a 3-1 League Two defeat to Salford at the Mazuma Stadium.

The Shrimps needed to win the game to have any chance of maintaining their league status but went down to the worst possible start when Ossama Ashley drilled the Ammies ahead after just three minutes with a low shot from 12 yards that beat Harry Burgoyne.

The Morecambe goalkeeper then made a string of fine saves to deny Ben Woodburn and Luke Garbutt before former Morecambe striker Cole Stockton doubled the lead with a well-taken shot from Woodburn’s lay off.

The hosts started the second half sharper with Rosaire Longelo almost diverting a right-wing cross into his own goal before Morecambe pulled one back after 52 minutes.

Max Taylor’s long throw caused the Salford defence problems and Yann Songo’o produced a fine finish to fire a low shot past Matthew Young from just inside the box.

Morecambe looked to find their way back into the game but it was the visitors who scored next as Kelly N’Mai was left free in the six-yard box to divert Hakeeb Adelakun’s cross past Burgoyne.