City will discover new territory on Saturday when they step out at the Globe Arena for the first time.

Compared with the cramped surroundings of Christie Park, they are sure of a warmer welcome at Morecambe’s new purpose-built stadium.

But the Shrimps admit that their 6,400-capacity home has been proving too convivial for opponents this season.

Last week’s win over Southend was only Morecambe’s fifth in their new surroundings – a major cause in their slump from play-off semi-finalists to survival scrappers alongside the Bantams.

Midfielder Stuart Drummond admitted: “It’s been a little bit too enjoyable for the opposition. Christie Park wasn’t as welcoming as the Globe Arena and that probably explains our poor home form.

“Other teams are also giving us a little bit more respect after what we’ve achieved over the last couple of seasons.

“We aren’t seen as one of the smaller clubs at this level any more. We’re an established Football League club and I’ve noticed teams raising their games a lot more.”

Morecambe went nine games without a win before shocking leaders Chesterfield 2-0 a fortnight ago. The Southend win followed but they were brought back down to earth on Tuesday with a 1-0 loss at Bury.

Goalkeeper Joe Anyon, signed on loan from Port Vale to cover Barry Roche’s thigh injury, committed a late howler on his debut when he allowed a long-range shot from Lenell John-Lewis to slither through his grasp.

Boss Sammy McIlroy said: “These things happen when you’re fighting for your Football League status.

“It’s how we bounce back now. I’ve told my lads ‘show that effort and commitment and we’ll stay in this league’.”

City will be glad to see the back of Christie Park. They failed to win there in three attempts after Morecambe came up from the Conference and twice lost after scoring first.