MORECAMBE 0
IT WAS party time at the Ricoh Arena but the biggest celebration was staged by Morecambe and in particular their veteran goalkeeper Barry Roche.
While the goalless draw confirmed Coventry’s place in the League Two play-offs, it also meant survival for Morecambe – but only just.
They kept their place in the Football League ahead of Barnet on goal difference and that was down to 36 year-old Roche who was playing his 400th league game for the Shrimps.
His man-of-the-match display ensured that it was Barnet who were relegated despite their 3-0 win over Chesterfield.
It could have been so different but for Roche who stood between the Sky Blues and the kind of heavy defeat which could have closed the four-goal difference with Barnet at the bottom end of the table.
And it was to him that the Morecambe players went to at the final whistle to celebrate their Great Escape.
Morecambe boss Jim Bentley was ecstatic – and relieved – at the end and hailed his keeper’s performance.
He said: “Barry made some great saves. He typified how good he is. One first-half save was unbelievable.
“I’m pleased for him, I played with him and there’s not many of them left since I became manager. He just proved what a quality keeper he is – and a top man as well.
“The players knew what they needed to do, they needed to conserve energy and results were going for them elsewhere. I was made up when that final whistle went. I must have got 10,000 steps in while I was in the six yard area.
“We’ve all been under a lot of pressure but we’ve done it, we’ve stayed in the league and hopefully can look to a brighter future. I am made up for everyone at the club. The new owners (Bond Group Investment) have come in and it was a big boost for them.”
Coventry boss Mark Robins admitted his side were below par but saluted Roche’s performance.
He said: “It was a rubbish game but it was all we expected. It was always the way the game was going to pan out. We played a bit more conservatively than we normally do.
“Their goalkeeper made a couple of unbelievable saves,
“But we’ve done the first part and it’s a step in the right direction. Now we’ve got Notts County over two legs in the play-offs so we’re happy. It’s how we handle the experience.”
Roche was soon in action and in the sixth minute was equal to a stunning drive from Sky Blues skipper Michael Doyle.
Morecambe carved out an opening in the 32nd minute when Aaron Wildig aimed a cross towards the far post where an acrobatic interception by Tom Davies prevented Adam McGurk from applying the finishing touch.
Otherwise it was a constant procession towards the Shrimps’ goal where Roche was proving unbeatable. An outstanding save denied Jonson Clarke-Harris six yards out.
Coventry seemed more than content to play out the game in the final 15 minutes as the Morecambe dug in to safeguard their place in the Football League. Possession 53% 47% Shots On Target 3 0 Shots Off Target 3 2 Blocked Shots 3 0 Corners 5 1 Fouls Conceded 4 6 Offsides 1 1 Yellow Cards 1 0 Red Cards 0 0