Morecambe were relegated to the National League after they were well beaten by Salford City, who kept up their outside chances of reaching the League Two play-offs.

The visitors took an early lead when Ben Woodburn's free-kick into the box was cleared into the path of Ossama Ashley, who turned the ball home.

Cole Stockton, who made over 150 appearances for Morecambe during a four-year spell, then put Salford 2-0 up just before half-time, slotting home from Woodburn's through ball.

The hosts pulled a goal back through Yann Songo'o when he struck from Max Taylor's long throw but Kelly N'Mai's late close-range finish sealed the Shrimps' fate.

Eighteen years after entering the English Football League with victory over Exeter City at Wembley in the 2007 Conference National Play-off final, Morecambe's time in League football has come to an end.

But the fact a club of its size has been able to hold its own for so long is no mean feat.

During almost two decades of football within the top-four tiers, Morecambe have experienced some enormous highs and deep lows. And in the past four years alone, they have had some wild changes in fortune.

In May 2021, the Shrimps pulled off one of the finest achievements in their history by winning promotion from League Two through the play-offs thanks to beating Newport County at a Covid-restricted Wembley.

Not only that but the club maintained their League One status the following season - an incredible accomplishment given their stature.

However, since then things have slowly become more bleak - both on and off the field - with relegation back to League Two the season after. And they have failed to mount much of a challenge since their return.

The club have been up for sale since September 2022, but there is still no sign of a takeover being completed with issues including a transfer embargo, a points deduction, late payment of wages and funding problems looming large.

Current owner Jason Whittingham told BBC Radio Lancashire earlier this season that he "cannot wait to get out of the club" but said he did not worry that they would go out of business if National League football next term was confirmed.

Derek Adams - in his third stint as Shrimps boss - has done an admirable job of taking the fight for survival as far as he can, and he has done well to hold the dressing room together in the process.

With non-league football now confirmed, it is unclear how the future looks for the Shrimps, or who will be making the decisions - either in the dressing room or the board room - come August.