Conference: Morecambe 1 - Forest Green 1.

THERE was no war of words but Jim Harvey and Sammy Mcllory won't be sending out Christmas cards to each other this year.

They shared a brief handshake before the game but any sort of reconciliation was ended when McIIory celebrated somewhat over-zeaoulsly in front of the away dugout.

But as Harvey digested his evening meal from his Morecambe base it would have been Rovers' manager who chewed the fat a far happier man than his former friend following a 1-1 draw that now stretches Rovers' unbeaten run to seven games and just one defeat in their last 14 league games.

Harvey was axed by Morecambe in the summer as he completed his recovery from a heart attack, which forced him onto the sidelines for much of last season.

His departure ended a 12-year stint in charge at Christie Park in which time he took the club from the UniBond League to the top end of the Conference.

It also led to the breakdown of his friendship with McIlroy, who replaced Harvey last November and was then given the job on a permanent basis. Ironically, Harvey was Northen Ireland's assistant manager to McIlroy.

Rovers included ex-Shrimp John Hardiker at right-back. Meanwhile, Alex Meechan found himself relegated to the bench for the first time since 2003.

Morecambe took the lead after 13 minutes when Garry Thompson hit home a right-footed strike. But Forest Green responded on the cusp of the break when Matt Robinson raced on to a pass by Darren Jones to draw parity.

Rovers almost snatched three points on the stroke of full time when Steven Drench saved Simon Clist's shot.

Jim's judgment.

"I'm very happy with the point. I thought the lads were terrific today and fully deserved it.

"Considering that we are a team whose main ambition is to stay in the league while Morecambe's is to win it, I don't think there was a lot of difference between the two sides.

"It was nice to see a lot of old faces. I had a good time here and I did a lot for this club and I know a lot of people appreciate that.

"The fans gave me a great reception and I know they will have a good time at Swindon in the FA Cup on Saturday and I hope the club does well in the competition."