Morecambe Men’s 1s 3 South Lakes Men’s 1s 1
Morecambe got off to the perfect start to the second half of the season with a convincing home win. Without finding their very best form Morecambe proved too good for the visitors and earned another vital three points.
The home side had the advantage right from the off, pressuring and isolating any South Lakes player in possession and moving the ball quickly through midfield. Steve Goodwin looked dangerous in the attacking line whilst captain Matthew Wright ensured things were kept organised at the back. Morecambe dominated possession and generated goal scoring opportunities; midfielder Nick Davey forced the visiting ‘keeper into a save whilst the normally clinical striker Phil Molyneux surprised everyone when he missed a golden opportunity from close range.
Wright and sweeper Iain Burstow were involved high up the pitch as Morecambe piled on the pressure and some textbook running allowed skilful winger Matthew Seddon to drive into the circle. Drawing defenders toward him, Seddon unselfishly put in Molyneux who would not repeat his earlier mistake, rounding the ‘keeper to finish neatly and give Morecambe the lead.
Soon afterward the move of the match saw Morecambe go from defence to attack in a matter of moments, a slick series of pinpoint passes ended with Goodwin in the circle who was crudely brought down, leaving the umpire no choice but to award the home side a penalty stroke. Davey despatched the ball from the spot sending the ‘keeper the wrong way and finding the corner of the net.
South Lakes were not to be rolled over and Simon Mounsey made a string of good tackles. While Jack Lennon in the Morecambe net showed his quality when he was called upon.
Morecambe emerged for the second half, determined to strike first and increase their lead over their opponents. South Lakes provided a reinvigorated response and Morecambe had to work hard to force their opening.
Striker Robert Pritchard made a long diagonal run allowing midfielder Mike Sambell to split the defence to find him in a dangerous area. Pritchard skilfully beat a defender before passing to Molyneux at the top of the circle. Molyneux turned and the pace of his shot generated confusion between the South Lakes goalkeeper and a visiting defender. Craig Allison took full advantage of their hesitation to finish into an open net from close range.
South Lakes heads seemed to go down at this point and their frustration was consolidated as they had a player sent to the sin-bin. Morecambe played possession hockey from this point on and South Lakes were forced to watch the clock tick away with the home side in charge.
Some sloppy passing at the end allowed South Lakes to score, but it would prove to be only a consolation goal as Morecambe ran out comfortable winners. The season continues and although Morecambe are still well placed to achieve their desired promotion, they have tough challenges ahead.
Morecambe Men’s 1s: J. Lennon, S. Mounsey, I. Burstow, M. Wright (capt), C. Allison, A. Crabtree, M. Sambell, M. Seddon, N. Davey, S. Goodwin, P. Molyneux.
Subs. J. Belshire, J. Davidson, R. Pritchard.
Matchball sponsor: Duncan Hall Financial Planning Services.
