MAC ENDS LONG WAIT
Drought over as Shrimps dream on
THEY might just have to find space for another statue alongside the iconic Eric Morecambe plinth if Shrimps boss Derek Adams makes club history.
The Scot has transformed the seaside club from relegation candidates to promotion candidates and, at this rate, League One for the first time in their EFL life beckons.
The omens for a change in their fortunes looked good from day one of the season with a 2-1 win at Cheltenham.
And Michael Duff’s team received confirmation that the opening day Morecambe success was not a fluke.
Despite upping the tempo in the second half and laying siege to Kyle Letheren’s goal they could not break down the stubborn barrier and found themselves knocked off the top of the division by Cambridge United.
Adams’ side had made a lively start and Sam Lavelle headed narrowly over from an Aaron Wildig corner.
It was no surprise when they took a 20th-minute lead as Liam McAlinden ended a 27-game goal drought, calmly firing low past Scott Flinders when the ball ricocheted into his path. After the break it was all about survival as Cheltenham turned on the turbo charger, creating a succession of chances.
But the spirit and determination of a side clearly enjoying themselves at not for once being embroiled in their annual scrap to stay in the division shone through.
Adams said: “I’ve told the players just go out and play. We’ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose.
“We’ve got a very good squad who look after themselves very well.” No-nonsense defending, led by skipper Lavelle, made it a frustrating afternoon for Duff and his ambitious side.
Letheren did brilliantly to tip over a fierce closerange effort from Sam Smith and twice foiled Callum Wright, who also sent a volley just over the bar at full stretch.
Smith headed straight at Letheren and in added time fired just inches wide as Morecambe clung on with bodies on the line.
Duff said: “I’m told we had 20 shots at goal – they just wouldn’t go in.
“I would take nine more performances like that in our final nine games.” MORECAMBE: Letheren 7; Mellor 7 ,Lavelle 8, Davis 7 (Hendrie 68, 6), Gibson 6; Diagouraga 6, Wildig 7; O’Sullivan 7 (Pringle 90), Mendes Gomes 6, McAlinden 6 (Cooney 66, 6); Stockton 7.
Unused subs: Halstead, Denny, Price. CHELTENHAM: Flinders 6; Long 6, Tozer 6,Freestone 6 (Vassiley 83); Blair 6 (Azaz 50,6), Thomas 6, Sercombe 7, Wright 7 (Williams 78), Hussey 7; May 7 (Chapman 83), Smith 7. Unused subs: Harris, Horton, Addai.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Sam Lavelle. Led by example with a defiant display at the back.
REFEREE: Marc Edwards 7.