The 10 men of Morecambe hold Swindon Town to a 2-2 draw in a spirited performance at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.
It was one all at half-time after Jake Taylor cancelled out Dan Kemp's opener, Charlie Austin's penalty which saw Yann Songo'o dismissed was then followed by Ethan Walker's 80th minute strike.
The first real change for either side led to the opening goal; Kemp with space at the back post met Jake Young’s cross and converted with a header to open the scoring.
Looking for an instant reaction, the Shrimps carved out a couple of big chances in as many minutes. A powerful strike from well out struck the post, hit the ‘keeper, deflected back off the post again before being cleared.
Then, the ball was sent deep toward Yann Songo’o at the far post, his header could only find the side-netting.
Just before the half-way stage of the first 45, JJ McKiernan produced a fierce strike after turning on the edge of the opposition box, though the ball sailed narrowly over the bar.
Charlie Austin came close to doubling the visitors’ advantage on 24 minutes. After playing the one two, he latched onto the through ball before pulling the shot just wide of the far post.
The Shrimps were back on level terms on 31 minutes through Jake Taylor. Tom Bloxham delivered an excellent cross from the right before Taylor headed home the equaliser, his first goal for the Club.
Just before first half added time, Kemp was presented with a big chance to score his, and Town’s, second hf the afternoon, though after breaking through into the Morecambe box, his strike was straight at Stuart Moore.
Half-time: Morecambe 1 Swindon Town 1
Our defensive resolve was tested early on in the second half after Tariq Uwakwe met a corner with a fierce volley, forcing the Shrimps’ defence into a vital block.
At the other end, another pinpoint delivery from Bloxham was pounced upon by Eli King, but the Cardiff City loanee could only turn the ball behind from close range.
A big moment in the game came on 56 minutes when the visitors were awarded a penalty following a foul from Songo’o, who picked up a second yellow and was sent off as a result. Austin stepped up and converted from 12 yards.
Six minutes later, Remeao Hutton came close to a third for Town, though he could only drag the shot wide of Moore’s right-hand post.
With just over 10 minutes to play, Ethan Walker fresh from the bench made an instant impact. He latched onto an excellent through ball from Donald love and slotted underneath Mahoney.
Another sub, Cammy Smith, came close to firing the Shrimps ahead with a fierce strike from distance; Mahoney had to be equal to it and was by pushing the ball behind for a corner.
Full-time: Morecambe 2 Swindon Town 2
Morecambe: Moore, Love ©, Bedeau, Songo’o, Bloxham (Walker, 77’), King, McKiernan, Senior (Tutonda, 77’), Slew (C Smith, 77’), Taylor (Davenport, 77’), Connolly (Rawson, 77’).
Subs not used: A Smith, Stokes.
Goals: Taylor (31’), Walker (80’).
Bookings: Connolly, Songo’o.
Red cards: Songo’o.
Swindon Town: Mahoney, Hutton, Blake-Tracy, McEachran (Cain, 90+3’), Young (Hepburn-Murphy, 65’), Khan, Kemp, Brewitt, Uwakwe (Shade 64’), Godwin-Malife, Austin ©.
Subs not used: Ward, Genesini, Kinsella, Minturn.
Goals: Kemp (12’), Austin (57’).
Bookings: Khan, Kemp.
Red cards: None.
Attendance: 3,737 (568).