Match Preview | Notts County (H)

14 August 2023

The Shrimps return to Mazuma Mobile Stadium action twice in a week, with Notts County our opponents on Tuesday evening.

It was a weekend of contrasting emotions for either side last time out; Mansfield Town got the better of Derek Adams’ men with a 3-0 score line at the One Call Stadium.

The Magpies tasted Sky Bet League Two victory for the first time after overcoming Grimsby Town by three goals to two, former Morecambe man Dan Crowley headed home a 61^st minute winner.

The two teams have faced off a total of 14 times since 2007 with Morecambe winning five, drawing five and losing four. Our last encounter against County came in March 2019, which ended in a scoreless draw.

The Opposition

Notts County find themselves in the fourth tier of English football’s pyramid for the first time since their first ever relegation to non-league in 2019.

Last campaign, the Magpies went toe-to-toe with Wrexham, ultimately losing out on automatic promotion by four points, though their celebrations wouldn’t be delayed for much longer. A day out at Wembley ended in promotion after an eventful encounter against Chesterfield. The game ended 2-2 after extra time before Luke Williams’ side triumphed 4-3 on penalties.

In pre-season, County won four friendlies, against Nuneaton Borough, AFC Telford United, Boston United and Alfreton Town, drew against Shrewsbury Town and lost against Stoke City and Nottingham Forest.

Williams has been in charge at Meadow Lane since June 2022, and has taken charge of 51 matches in total, winning 35, drawing 11 and losing just five. Before then, the 42-year-old, enoyed spells as a manager at Swindon Town, Bristol City U21 as well as assistant roles with MK Dons and Swansea City respectively.

Key Players

Summer arrival David McGoldrick returned to Notts County having previously represented the club in 2003/04 and 2005/06. Since then, the 35-year-old has racked up a total of 559 appearances to date, including 63 (and 10 goals) in the Premier League for Sheffield United. A proven goal scorer at any level he’s played, the former Derby County man has netted over 150 times so far in his career.

Forward Macaulay Langstaff enjoyed a monumentally successful campaign last time out, scoring 42 league goals, and picking up a number of accolades including National League Player of the Season, Fans’ and Players’ Player of the Season and records set for most goals in a Notts County season, most goals in a National League season and most Player of the Month awards in a National League season.

At just 31-years-old, John Bostock has accumulated a wealth of experience throughout his career to-date. As well as plying his trade in Belgium, the USA, France and Turkey, the midfielder represented England at U16, U17 and U19 level, playing alongside Jack Wilshere, Andros Townsend and Jonjo Shelvey.

Derek Adams’ Pre-Match Thoughts

Ahead of the game, Derek Adams spoke of his awareness on County's flexible approach to different games.

He said: "They are a team who play in different styles and different systems during the season, they've already done that [at] the start of this season.

"They're obviously trying to get the right blend with the players they've taken in.

"They've taken in a good calibre of player over the summer, you only have to look at [David] McGoldrick coming in from Derby [County] to suggest that is true, and we look forward to playing against them."

Team News

The Gaffer says he has a fully fit squad to choose from going into Tuesday night's game.

Charlie Brown, who missed Saturday's trip to Mansfield Town with a twisted ankle, has returned to full fitness.

Meet The Officials

Having been promoted from the National League at the end of last season, Matt Corlett will take charge of a Morecambe game for the very first time, despite having acted as fourth official for the Shrimps on two previous occasions.

He will be joined by linesmen Joe Simpson and Daniel Woodward, as well as fourth official Alex Gray.

Corlett, who took charge of County's promotion-winning play-off final, has been the man in the middle for two games so far this season; a 0-0 League Two draw between Grimsby Town and AFC Wimbledon as well as a Carabao Cup Round One fixture between Harrogate Town and Carlisle United.

Watch Live!

Tuesday night’s game against Notts County will be live streamed through iFollow.

If you’re not attending the Mazuma Mobile Stadium, treat yourself to an iFollow Shrimps video match pass!

Click here for more information.

Match Reports

Report | Morecambe 0 Notts County 0

15 August 2023

Derek Adams’ side settle for a point after a goalless draw against Notts County.

Both sides carved out a number of big chances throughout the game, with each defence standing firm.

Following an uneventful opening 10 minutes, with both sides looking to work themselves into the game, Adam Mayor pounced on a misplaced pass in the County backline, though the visitors eventually rectified and cleared the threat.

County produced the first gilt-edged chance of the evening when a cross from the right landed at the feet of David McGoldrick, though he fired wide from around 12 yards.

Just past the halfway stage in the first half, Michael Mellon delivered a moment of quality which nearly saw the Shrimps take the lead; After cutting inside, he looked to curl one from distance, with the ball flying narrowly wide of Aidan Stone’s left-hand post.

With the break edging ever closer, County calved out two big chances in as many minutes.

Stuart Moore did well to tip over Langstaff’s header on 38 minutes before Jodi Jones, with a clear sight on goal, blasted over from close range moments later.

In the dying embers of the half, Donald Love’s free kick was sent into the opposition box, a Morecambe man rose highest to meet it but could only send the ball wide.

Half-time: Morecambe 0 Notts County 0

Unlike the first half, the second 45 exploded into life with chances at both ends; Firstly, Mayor stung the palms of Stone with a fierce drive from the edge of the box before, at the other end, Jones saw an effort bounce back off the crossbar.

Former Morecambe man Dan Crowley looked to set up Langstaff just past the hour mark with a dinked cross, but Moore was there to smother the danger.

With just over 20 minutes to play, Mellon came a whisker away from opening the scoring. The Burnley loanee did well under pressure to twist and turn away from the defender before shooting across the ‘keeper and narrowly wide.

Substitute Cammy Smith did well to dispossess an opposition defender and drive into the County box, Mellon’s initial attempt was blocked before Smith fired well wide.

Deep into four minutes of added time, the Shrimps won a late corner. Love swung the ball into a heavily congested box, a mild scramble ensued before the visitors were able to clear the lines.

Full-time: Morecambe 0 Notts County 0

Morecambe: Moore, Love ©, Bedeau, Rawson, Songo’o (Davenport, 67’), Bloxham (C Smith, 77’), King (Tutonda, 89’), Mellon, McKiernan (Taylor, 77’), Mayor (Slew, 77’), Senior.

Subs not used: A Smith, Stokes.

Goals: None.

Bookings: Mayor.

Red cards: None.

Notts County: Stone, Cameron ©, O’Brien (Austin, 60’), Crowley, Langstaff, Jones (Bostock, 85’), Nemane (Scott, 85’), Baldwin, McGoldrick, Palmer, Chicksen (Adebayo-Rowling, 70’).

Subs not used: Slocombe, Rawlinson, Morais.

Goals: None.

Bookings: Baldwin.

Red cards: None.

Attendance: 3,860 (647).