Morecambe U/18 4, Shrewsbury Town U/18 2.
Morecambe recorded back to back league victories for the first time since joining the Puma Youth Alliance League with a convincing performance.
In blustery conditions it was the home side who settled quickest and played some bright football. After only 5 minutes Morecambe took the lead. Preston and Dodwell combined down the left, Preston's cross was skilfully controlled by Bell on the edge of the box and his half volley flew in off the right hand post.
Morecambe's bright start suffered a hammer blow on 10 minutes when the influential Clark had the leave the pitch following a clash of heads - two stitches in a mouth wound for his trouble. But it was the home side who pressed on, a golden chance spurned when Barnes found Trippett in space but his pile-driver went inches over the bar. Then the normally reliable Poole shot wide at the back post after a corner had evaded the visitors defence. Morecambe were coasting until Baird left a back pass short leaving Bee stranded and Aaron Lloyd equalised from close range.
Not dismayed Morecambe took the lead again immediately after the restart, Jackson's long throw not dealt with and Barrowclough striking sweetly on the volley from 25yards giving the keeper no chance. As the confidence flowed so did the football, brisk and accurate passing ensure the visitors chased shadows.
Richards on the hour scored the goal of the game, a cross from Trippett headed clear but only to Richards who curled a sumptuous left foot shot into the top corner - truly brilliant 3-1.
Guilty of over confidence Morecambe let the visitors back in with 10 minutes left, Bee caught in possession trying to clear and Lloyd scored his and the visitors second by casually running the ball over the line. Morecambe's response was simply to score again. A Danny Bell cross after great work by Ball fell to Martin Baird at the back post and he drilled the ball home.
Overall a satisfying performance but with the target to achieve more points than last years team further such performances are required.
Team: Bee, Jackson, Baird, Richards, Preston (Ball 65), Barnes, Dodwell Clark (Barrowclough 10), Trippett, Poole, Bell.
Subs not used: Atkinson, Cowperthwaite
Next Fixture; Home to Tranmere Rovers, Lancaster & Morecambe College 11.00am k.o. 04/04/09.
League Table at
http://www.football-league.co.uk/staticFiles/37/34/0,,10794~144439,00.pdf
