Puma Youth Alliance League 13/03/10

Morecambe U/18 3, Walsall U/18 1

Having beaten Accrington with a Gavin Clark goal, Morecambe showed their inconsistency by losing the week after 3-0 to Port Vale. So coming up against the model of consistency at this level for the last 10 years in the shape of Walsall was always going to be a test.

The recent introduction of youngsters such as Parkinson, Eden, Parish, Hall and Culshaw had added much needed energy and desire to the side and it was to be a glorious day for one of the youngsters in particular.

Morecambe were bright from the off, Mike Evans pulling the strings supported by the ever maturing Clark. It was those two who combined to set Parkinson free on 25 minutes and he finished calmly from a tight angle. Clarke himself had a shot charged down that seemed destined for the top corner and Yates claimed handball on the line as he rose highest to head a Parkinson corner.

The referee's whistle ended a half that saw Morecambe go in 1-0 up but having had the lion's share of the game. The second half started badly as a Deards shot bobbled its way to Proctor and he made an uncharacteristic error to level the score. Unphased, Morecambe regained the lead from the restart, Evans and Clark again the providers and Parkinson sprinted free to slide the ball under the advancing Keeper.

It was an imperious display by Morecambe as Silver, Parish and then Parkinson had shots saved by Rory Wood who must have thought his defenders had stayed on the team bus. Parkinson made the game safe with 15 minutes left. His pace saw him latch onto a Ball flick and a devastating finish saw him complete his first hat-trick at this level.

A great victory and particularly pleasing given the number of 16 year olds in the side.

Team; Proctor, Watson, Yates, Cowperthwaite, Eden, Parkinson, Clark, M Evans (R Evans 75), Parish, Silver, Ball (85 Farley)

Subs not used; Crossley, Tabernham, Stephenson, McKinley

Next game Saturday 20/03/10 Away to Wigan 11am KO.