MORECAMBE FOOTBALL CLUB

 

Morecambe fell to defeat on the final day of the season but ensured they would be playing their football in Sky Bet League One next season. Nathan Broadhead’s early strike proved the difference between the two teams in-front of a record-breaking crowd at the Mazuma Stadium.

 

In the opening minutes the Shrimps put Sunderland under some early pressure with two corners, however it was the away side who opened the scoring. 

 

The game’s first shot on target resulted in a goal after Broadhead pounced on a Shrimps’ mistake. The forward raced through and slotted past Trevor Carson in the 10th minute. 

 

Five minutes later Dylan Connolly tried his luck from the edge of the box but saw his effort fly over the bar. 

 

The visitors looked to carve out an opportunity in the 22nd minute when the ball was threaded through to Broadhead but Jacob Bedeau did well to disposes the Sunderland goalscorer.

 

Sunderland boss Alex Neil was forced to make his first change four minutes later. Jack Clarke came on to replace the injured Broadhead. 

 

 

Just before the hour mark the Shrimps had an opportunity when they were awarded a free-kick from 25 yards out after Connolly was brought down. Adam Phillips’s right-footed set piece was well-defended by the Black Cats. 

 

Up the other end Sunderland looked to double their lead when Clarke laid the ball off to Ross Stewart who saw his strike deflected behind for a corner. 

 

Alex Neil’s men came close again when Stewart found Patrick Roberts at the far post however his close-range shot from a tight angle was well-saved by Carson. 

 

In the 81st minute Sunderland were given a free-kick when Roberts was tripped on the edge of the area by Aaron Wildig however Pritchard’s resulting strike smashed against the wall and went behind for a corner. 

 

The Black Cats had a late opportunity when Roberts lashed the ball across the face of goal but Ryan Cooney did well to direct the ball away from danger. 

 

 

Morecambe: Carson, Bedeau, Stockton, Wildig, Connolly (Obika 84’), Phillips, Cooney, Gibson, Gnahoua (Ayunga 68’), Fane (Diagouraga 72’), Bennett

 

Subs not used: Smith, O’Connor, S McLoughlin, McCalmont 

 

Goals: None.

 

Bookings: Phillips, Wildig

 

Red cards: None.

 

Sunderland: Patterson, Evans, Batth, Embleton, Broadhead (Clarke 37’), Gooch, O’Nien, Stewart (Matete 73’), Pritchard (Neil 82’) Wright, Roberts

 

Subs not used: Hoffmann, Xhemajli, McGeady, Hume

 

Goals: Broadhead 10’

 

Bookings: None.

 

Red cards: None.