The young Shrimps’ unbeaten run came to an end as they were defeated 1-0 by Wrexham at Lancaster and Morecambe College on Saturday.
Forward Anton Connolly’s first-half strike proved decisive as Morecambe under-18s fell to their first defeat of the 2023/24 campaign.
The visitors were determined to get off to a strong start in this Youth Alliance League contest to avenge Wednesday’s 3-2 loss in the FA Youth Cup and had a number of early opportunities on Alfie Scales’ goal, but failed to find the back of the net.
Winger Callum Cooney provided Morecambe’s first effort on target after hammering a shot towards goal. Wrexham ‘keeper Liam Hall made a strong stop before a scramble ensued in the area, which would eventually be cleared.
Wrexham’s early persistence was rewarded on 27 minutes as a fine ball picked out Connolly making a run through the centre of the defence, before the attacker rolled the ball beyond Scales into the bottom corner.
Shortly after going behind, the Shrimps received two yellow cards in as many minutes as Cooney and centre-back Leyton Holden were cautioned.
In the remainder of the first-half the biggest chance fell to the visitors as midfielder Callum Edwards looked to fire a ball into the area but Holden was on hand to clear the danger.
Half-time: Morecambe 0-1 Wrexham
A tremendous ball from midfielder Jack McKean found the on-running Saul Fox-Akande, the attacker’s initial effort was saved before the ball deflected back off the Morecambe man and struck the post before rolling out of play.
Morecambe were enjoying their strongest spell in the game as skipper Andy Evans also came close to restoring parity. The centre-back glanced his header wide from close range.
The hosts almost levelled proceedings on 67 minutes as all-action midfielder Nathan Mercer hammered a venomous cross into the area but defender Tom Kelly cleared the threat in what would’ve been a tap in at the near post for Fox-Akande.
Visiting captain Harry Ashfield came inches away from extending his side’s lead on 72 minutes. The attacker took aim on goal from the edge of the box and his effort crashed against the post.
Morecambe introduced Wednesday night’s hero Max Holden (forward) as they looked to up their attacking intent. Vinny Wright made way after picking up a knock moments earlier.
Evans joined teammates Cooney and Holden in the referee’s book after committing a foul with 10 minutes left to play.
Ollie Ras’ side made what would be their final two changes of the day on 82 minutes, as Lennon Dobson and Jack McKean were replaced by Ellis Byron and Jack Crane.
Mercer stood over a free-kick on the edge of the box as the clock ticked onto 90 minutes but his effort over the wall landed in the hands of visiting shot-stopper Hall.
Full-time: Morecambe 0-1 Wrexham
Morecambe: Scales, Lynchey, L. Holden, Evans (C), Wright (76’ M. Holden), Dobson (83’ Byron), Mercer, McKean (83’ Crane), Cooney, Fairclough, Fox-Akande
Subs not used: Sowerby, Ballantyne
Wrexham: Hall, Wright, Kelly, Lussey (58’ Moore), Dean, Davies, Edwards (68’ Roberts), Cushion (89’ Nicholas), Connolly (68’ Rainbird), Ashfield (C), Hayman (68’ Owen)
Subs not used: N/A
