Late goals sink juniors
THE Shrimps’ youngsters suffered a disappointing opening day defeat in a game they dominated for long periods.
The juniors shipped two goals in the final 10 minutes after taking a first half lead through Alex Naylor.
After a slow start the Shrimps took charge and were on top for long periods and went close to a second goal on several occasions with Danny Green and Naylor hitting the top of the crossbar from long range efforts.
The second half continued in much the say way as the first with the Shrimps controlling the play but as the game approached the final 15 minutes their play became ragged and they were made to pay.
Macclesfield levelled with a header from a left wing free kick and in injury time they were rocked by a Macclesfield second after a series of missed tackles lead to a free effort for the visitors.
Phil Hackney commented after the game ‘I am really disappointed with the result but extremely pleased with the manner in which we played.
"The result is an opportunity for the players to see how very cruel football can be if you don’t take your chances, especially if you give away needless free kicks in the defending third.
"I had told the players how important set plays are whether for the opposition or us and in Morecambe's case the first free kick was needless and the second, minutes later, should have been dealt with better.
"I think it was down to a loss of concentration with my players having ‘the stuffing knocked out of them’ after conceding the first goal so late in the game after dominating large parts of it with a brand of exciting, attacking football.
"We also lost our shape during the latter stages of the game with players not fulfilling their roles and responsibilities within the team.
"It’s a steep learning curve for the players but the result comes second to the performance at this stage of their development and if we can continue playing in this fashion the results will surely come.
"The boys were extremely disappointed to have played exceptionally well only to concede two poor goals at the death and I’m sure they will be back in high spirits and ready to do better at Tranmere next week.''