Jim Gannon named the same eleven for the third consecutive game for the historic first League clash against Morecambe.

There was one change on the bench, though, where the fit again Liam Dickinson replaced Gary Dicker.

County started brightly and came close to taking the lead after four minutes. Adam Griffin's deflected cross looped over former Hatters loanee Joe Lewis in the home goal but another ex-Hatter, Danny Adams popped up to clear off the line.

Dave Artell was booked for a cynical challenge on Matty McNeil that left the big striker in a heap.

Moments later Artell caught McNeil in the box; the referee turned away the penalty appeals.

On 8 minutes McNeil was himself booked for a foul on Artell.

Adam Proudlock then set up Jason Taylor but the midfielder's left-foot shot from the edge of the box was blocked by a third ex-Hatter, Damien Allen.

The Shrimps suddenly burst into life and Carl Baker's volley brought a flying save from Conrad Logan.

Midway through the half County should have taken the lead when McNeil knocked down Paul Tierney's free kick but Dominic Blizzard volleyed over.

Morecambe threatened again when Michael Twiss hit a low drive that produced another fine save from Logan.

Just after the half hour the home side should have scored when Gary Thompson raced past Tierney and crossed to the unmarked Allen who headed over.

The Hatters responded when Anthony Elding sprung the offside trap but couldn't pick out Griffin with a cross from the right.

Six minutes from the break Griffin himself was inches away from breaking the deadlock when his cross beat Lewis but bounced the wrong side of the post.

Elding then played McNeil clear who shot weakly at Lewis from inside the box.

Amazinlg Count y had another golden opportunity within seconds. Another Griffin cross found Elding at the far post but Adams scrambled the ball clear,

The Hatters paid for their careless finishing when the dangerous Baker skipped past three challenges and hit a left foot shot from the edge of the box. Logan got a hand to the ball but couldn't keep it out.

James Smith, who had been struggling with a groins strain, didn't reappear for the second half, replaced by Keith Briggs.

And he was soon followed by a second substitute when Liam Dickinson replaced Proudlock.

Dickinson had a couple of efforts saved and Blizzard flashed a header just wide as County pushed but they were undone again on 66 minutes when Baker skipped past Briggs and hammered a low drive past Logan.

Lewis made another good save to deny Dickinson and Owen hit the top of the bar with a last minute header but the Shrimps controlled the later stages of the game to wrap up all three points.