Morecambe's start to the season is due reward for the players' attitude

The Shrimps have shocked a host of pundits this season already with their early-season form seeing them win four games out of five.

Three successive wins have come away from home, giving them a two-point lead over Cambridge United.

They will look to maintain that run of form when they visit Crawley Town this weekend for their fourth away trip in the opening six games.

Adams said: “I’m really pleased for the players because they have worked really hard and really bought into what we are trying to achieve.

“We have a way of playing that does put demands on them in terms of defending in numbers and attacking in numbers at pace but they have all responded really well.

“There is a lot to be pleased about with the goals coming regularly from your midfielders.

“I was really pleased for Cole Stockton to get off the mark for the season on Saturday because he has worked really hard for the team every game.

“It is not easy being the only striker in the system we play but he has held the ball up well and brought others into play and done everything asked of him, so to see him score on Saturday was a great reward for him.”

The Shrimps now face another run of games ahead of them with Saturday’s long trip to Crawley followed by a midweek game against Mansfield Town.

Nevertheless, Adams says his players are looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

He said: “We have played some decent teams already this year and the fixture list has been pretty tough on us with four away games from the first six matches.

“But the lads have faced all the challenges head on and I’m delighted that we are on top of the table at this stage, and the players can be really pleased with their efforts so far.”