Match Report: Stevenage 0-1 Morecambe
THE Shrimps recorded a superb win at the Lamex Stadium with a 67th minute Lee Molyneux goal earning a vital three points against play off chasers Stevenage.
Molyneux winger produced a fine left foot finish from 12 yards out after being played in by Aaron Wildig to give Jim Bentley’s side a much needed win against a side who had won their last eight home games.
Morecambe boss Jim Bentley made three changes to the side that drew with Hartlepool last week with Molyneux, Dean WInnard and Aaron WIldig all recalled and they dominated the first half only to missed a number of excellent chances.
Their first came after only 30 seconds when Kevin Ellison had a glimpse on goal after running on to a long clearance from Dan Nizic but the chance went begging.
As the half progressed the Shrimps created several excellent opportunities. Aaron Wildig was twice denied by fine saves from Chris Day after running through on goal and defender Alex Whitmore blazed over from a great position when free in the box 12 yards out. Andy Fleming headed just over before the break as the visitors threatened.
The Shrimps’ defence looked strong and limited the home side to only one real chance when Stevenege’s top scorer Matt Godden but in from the left and curled an effort inches wide of Nizic’s left hand post.
The home side were a different proposition after the break and created a string of chances of their own.
The normally lethal Godden missed a golden chance of their own on 48 minutes when he fired wildly over the bar from eight yards after creating the opening with a fine turn in the box.
The Shrimps then had keeper Dan Nizic to thank for two world class saves to foil Godden. The first came when he spread himself smartly to block a close range shop before a flying tip over from the Stevenage striker’s excellent volley.
After surviving the early second half flourish the Shrimps looked more solid and were dangerous themselves on the break with Molyneux putting the finishing touch to one such breakaway.
Stevenage piled on the pressure at the end and forced a number of corners but the closest they came to a leveller was when Fraser Franks shot wide at full stretch from close range.
Stevenage: Day, Franks, King, Wilkinson, Ogilvie, McAnuff (rep Loft 87), Pett, Schumacher (rep Hinds 80), Lee, McQuoid (rep Gorman 70), Godden. Subs not used: Preston,Tonge, Wells, Ntlhe.
Morecambe: Nizic, Edwards, Winnard, Whitmore, McGowan, Rose, Fleming, Molyneux, Wildig (rep Murphy 77), Mullin (rep Turner 77), Ellison. Subs not used: Maher, Wakefield, Conlan, Duckworth, Evans.
Ref: D Deadman.