Morecambe U/18 4, Blackpool U/18 1

After a recent mauling at the hands of league favourites Preston the coaching staff asked serious questions of the Morecambe youngsters off the pitch, in training, and on match days. With influential skipper Clarke missing following minor surgery Morecambe's pack was shuffled.

It was quite simply a magnificent day for football and Morecambe made full use of an excellent surface. Rob Evans made the most of his first start of the season by orchestrating play at every opportunity and it was he that put Cowperthwaite through on 10 mins to force a save from the Blackpool keeper. From the resulting corner Crossley contrived to miss from two yards out as the ball ran free. Morecambe didn't Have to wait long to open the scoring and it came from route one.

Bee's long clearance was flicked on by Cowperthwaite to Ball, who collected 25 yards out and let fly with a fizzing drive that left the keeper no chance. Morecambe looked dangerous but again they undid their good work. Silvers pass was intercepted and with too many players committed forward Blackpool broke free and the helpless Bee was lobbed from 18 yards. Sliver then missed a glorious chance to put Morecambe back in front from the restart, set free by Ball he blazed over from 12 yards. Blackpool flickered into life when bee was again lobbed but Taberner was alert to clear the ball off the line when a goal looked certain.

The second half saw a three goal blitz by the home side in 20 minute spell of devastating football. Ball got his second as he pounced on defensive error inside the box and his right foot did the rest. Then the move of the match, classic pass and move involving Silver and Rob Evans, Evans finding Ball who's deft touch found Barrowclough's driving run and he calmly slid the ball under the keeper.

With confidence flowing Ball missed the chance of hat-trick but was unable to find the target from 18 yards. But soon it came - Crossley let fly with a 30 yard drive which left the visitors keeper floundering and Ball nipped in to tuck the rebound away for his hat-trick.

Morecambe played out the game in comfort and could have scored more through Farley who showed great strength and desire and deserved more when his effort was well saved.

The game was a great example of doing the simple things well and consistency is now the key.

Team; Bee, Crossley, Taberner, Yates, M Evans (80 Watson), Wraight (Farley 75), R Evans, Barrowclough, Silver, Cowperthwaite, Ball

Subs not used; Atkinson, Mackenly, Smith

Next game Saturday 19/09/09 Away to Accrington Stanley 11am KO.