Shrimps travel to Yorkshire for Rovers clash

15 December 2023

We hit the road on Saturday 16 December as we continue our Sky Bet League Two campaign with a trip to Doncaster Rovers.

After a valuable point against league leaders Stockport County last weekend, Morecambe will be hoping to add to their tally with a visit to the Eco-Power Stadium to face Doncaster Rovers.

The Shrimps last trip away from home resulted in a 2-0 victory against Sky Bet League One opposition Wycombe Wanderers in the second round of the FA Cup, and they will be hoping to replicate this performance on Saturday.

Since then, Ged Brannan’s men faced Stockport County at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium. On an afternoon tainted by inclement weather, a 70^th minute Michael Mellon opener was cancelled out by an 87^th minute equaliser from Hatters’ striker Scott Wootton, and the spoils were shared.

Morecambe vs Stockport 9th December-50.jpg

Rain of the horizontal variety also found its way to fellow Lancashire club Accrington Stanley, where Doncaster Rovers played out a 0-0 draw at the Wham Stadium.

The last meeting between the Shrimps and the Rovers came in the 2021-22 season, where the sides played out a dramatic game over the New Year weekend. With Doncaster three goals to the good at half-time, Morecambe had work to do. Two goals from Cole Stockton, a goal from Jon Obika and a stunning 85^th winner from Toumani Diagouraga helped the Shrimps complete a memorable comeback, the game finishing 4-3 to the hosts at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.

The Opposition

Doncaster have had a mixed start to their Sky Bet League Two campaign. Seven wins, three draws and 10 defeats leave the Grant McCann’s side on 24 points, 17^th place in the league standings.

McCann returned to the club in the May of this year, for his second stint in charge of the South Yorkshire club. In his first stint with the Rovers, during the 2018-19 season, the ex-Northern Ireland international guided them to the League One play-offs, where they were defeated by Charlton.

Key Players

Striker Joe Ironside has proven to be dangerous up front for the Rovers since joining the side in the summer from Cambridge United. The 30-year-old has scored 12 goals in his 26 appearances in all competitions so far this season.

Experienced centre-back Tom Anderson will be hoping to make his 200th appearance for the Grant McCann's men on Saturday. The Burnley-born defender has been with the Rovers since the summer of 2018.

Meet the Officials

Kirsty Dowle will lead out the officiating team on Saturday afternoon. The 32-year-old, who refereed the 2022 Women’s FA Cup Final and the 2023 FA Women’s League Cup Final, will be officiating her first Sky Bet League Two fixture.

It will be her 10^th fixture of the season in Men’s football, with her most recent fixture in the Women’s game coming last week as she took charge of Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United in the WSL.

Daniel Woodward and Abbas Khan will run the line at the Eco-Power Stadium, with fourth official Neil Hair completing the officiating team on Saturday afternoon.

Ged Brannan's Pre-Match Thoughts

Shrimps manager Ged Brannan gave his thoughts ahead of the clash.

"We believe in ourselves," he said. "We know they're a good team but we think if we go there and play the way we can, pass the ball and move about, we can get something from the game."

"We've got a game in hand on the league leaders, so [a win] gets us a couple of points off the play-offs."

He went on to speak about next month's transfer window.

"We're solid at the back obviously, we're solid up front, but it's always nice to have another option."

"There will be a lot going on, we'll see what happens."

Team News

Donald Love and Stu Moore remain sidelined for the Shrimps, with defender Farrend Rawson also an injury doubt for Morecambe.

Listen Live!

Full match commentary of Saturday’s clash against Doncaster Rovers will be available with an iFollow Shrimps audio match pass for just £2.50.

Click the banner below for more information.

Match Reports

Rovers brushed aside by dominant Shrimps

16 December 2023

An emphatic display saw the Shrimps leave South Yorkshire with all three points.

Five goals, courtesy of Eli King, Michael Mellon, Jacob Bedeau and David Tutonda respectively, gave the Shrimps a thoroughly deserved victory.

In what was an incredible start, King picked up possession before lining up the strike, he eventually pulled the trigger and found the bottom corner, scoring his first EFL goal in the process.

Looking to capitalise on a quick start, Tom Bloxham got the better of his man down the right before crossing into the mix, though the ball cleared Louis Jones’ crossbar.

A spell of pressure in the final third came for the home side around the 20-minute mark; First, Adam Smith denied Owen Bailey at close range with an excellent save, then two chances in quick succession saw Mo Faal’s effort cleared off the line before firing the rebound over.

At the other end, Adam Mayor found himself in a promising shooting position at the edge of the opposition box, but he couldn’t keep the shot down.

After chances at both ends, it was the Shrimps who scored the second of the afternoon; Mellon timed his run to perfection, his first shot saved by Louis Jones, but he showed great composure under pressure to slot home the second attempt.

With the half ticking on, it was away side that looked the likelier to score next. Tom Bloxham capitalising on a poor defensive clearance before striking across goal, forcing a strong wrist from Jones to turn the danger behind.

In the dying moments of the first half, Joel Senior’s cross nearly caught out Jones who awkwardly parried the ball away from goal.

Half-time: Doncaster Rovers 0 Morecambe 2

Brannan’s men started the second half the way they ended the first, and six minutes in, the advantage was extended to three. Mayor’s drilled delivery across goal found Bedeau who made no mistake from close range to net his first Morecambe goal.

A huge chance went begging for the hosts on 63 minutes. Jack Goodman latched onto a perfectly struck through ball before striking across Smith, the ball rolling inches wide of the far post.

Looking for a way back in, Joe Ironside looked to pull one back with 15 minutes of normal time to play, though after meeting Jamie Sterry’s cross from the right, his header failed to find the target.

Morecambe added to Rovers’ woes on 80 minutes. After some excellent play from Mayor to keep possession in difficult circumstances, the ball was played back to Tutonda who rocketed an effort in off the bar making it four for the Shrimps.

Michael Mellon sealed the deal for Morecambe in the 97th minute, firing home an Eli King corner at the back post.

Full-time: Doncaster Rovers 0 Morecambe 5

Doncaster Rovers: Jones, Anderson ©, Olowu, Molyneux (Sterry, 56’), Biggins (Rowe, 56’), Nixon, Bailey, Ironside, Hurst (Kuleya, 56’), Senior, Faal (Goodman, 56’).

Subs not used: Lawlor, Degruchy, Flint.

Goals: None.

Bookings: Sterry, Senior.

Red cards: None.

Morecambe: A Smith, Tutonda (Melbourne, 83’), Bedeau ©, Songo’o, Bloxham (Slew, 68'), King, Mellon, McKiernan (Taylor, 59’), Mayor, Senior, Connolly.

Subs not used: Pedley, Stokes, Davenport, C Smith.

Goals: King (07’), Mellon (34’, 90+7'), Bedeau (51’), Tutonda (80’).

Bookings: Tutonda, Connolly, Mayor.

Red cards: None.

Attendance: 6,260 (186).

Ticket News

Back the boys at Eco-Power Stadium!

4 December 2023

Ged Brannan's men are aiming for two from two on the road with Doncaster Rovers our next away trip - buy your tickets now!

Ticket Prices

	Advance Price	Matchday Price
Adult	£20	£21
Over 65+	£16	£17
14-24 years	£16	£17
Under 13	£5*	£5

*All Juniors 13 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult/senior.

Supporters can purchase tickets online by clicking here, or in-store at the Morecambe FC Club Shop, until Friday 15 December at 12pm. For phone sales, call 01524 411797 (ext 3).

Those who require duplicate tickets must email tickets@morecambefc.com or call 01524 411797 (ext 3) before the previously mentioned deadline.

Doncaster Rovers have advised six wheelchair bays and carer’s tickets will be available for the match. Wheelchair users and ambulant supporters must pay the relevant admission price and will receive a complimentary carer ticket with their purchase. These tickets are only available to buy in-store.

Your support has been unrivalled all season, so let’s keep it going with a trip to South Yorkshire on the horizon!