MORECAMBE FOOTBALL CLUB

We return to Mazuma Mobile Stadium action on Saturday 10 February when Sutton United make the long journey north.

Morecambe will be hoping to make it two wins in as many games, as they face Sutton United in a Sky Bet League Two clash. The Shrimps’ midweek trip to Walsall was postponed shortly before kick-off on Tuesday 6 February, as the referee deemed the pitch at the Poundland Bescot Stadium unplayable following heavy rainfall in the area.

The postponement put a spanner in the works of Ged Brannan’s plan to make it three away wins in three, after their success in West Sussex on Saturday 3 February. Their trip south took them to the Broadfield Stadium to face Crawley Town, where a brace from Ged Garner completed a deserved comeback for the Shrimps.

Not too much further north up the M23, Sutton United hosted Doncaster Rovers at the VBS Community Stadium. The hosts look set to take all three points for the first time in 2024, but a 96^th minute penalty from Rovers forward Joe Ironside meant the spoils were shared in South London.

The Shrimps and Sutton United last met in October 2023, when Morecambe made the trip south to play out a Sky Bet League Two thriller. The Shrimps seemed set after two first-half goals from Michael Mellon and Adam Mayor secured a two-goal advantage. The hosts pegged one back just before half-time through Harry Smith, before a 62^nd minute Ben Goodliffe header levelled the scoreline.

The spoils looked set to be shared before Joel Senior’s stoppage-time strike from outside the area secured a memorable 3-2 victory – an unforgettable trip to the capital for the Shrimps’ fans no doubt. 

The Opposition

Sutton United have had a difficult start to their third season in the EFL; four wins and 10 draws leaving the South London side on 22 points. This total places Steve Morison’s side 23^rd in the table, seven points from safety.

Morison began his reign as manager of the U's back in early January after taking over from Matt Gray, who led the club to the football league for the first time in their history.

Key Players

Harry Smith currently leads the scoring tally for United with 10 goals to his name in all competitions as well as three assists. The 28-year-old began his career with Brentford and Chelsea's academies before playing professionally for the likes of Millwall, Northampton, Motherwell, Leyton Orient and Exeter City.

A key player in Carlisle United's play-off winning campaign last season, Omari Patrick played a total of 109 games for the Cumbrians, scoring a late equaliser at Wembley. Predominantly a left-midfielder, the versatile 27-year-old is capable of playing in a number of positions, including right midfield, left wing and centre-forward. 

Last season's Player of the Season, Joe Kizzi, has featured in every League Two game for United so far this campaign. Since his arrival at the VBS Community Stadium, the defender has made 130 appearances for the club to-date. 

Ged Brannan’s Pre-Match Thoughts

Despite sitting second bottom of League Two, Ged Brannan was quick to suggest Morison's men will pose a threat.

"They'll be fighting for their lives," he said.

"I've told the players not to go into Saturday's game thinking it'll be an easy game because it's not, they're a big, solid team.

"[They're] really good, dangerous on set pieces, especially long throw-ins so we've got to be on our game to get a result, it's going to be a really, really tough game."

The Man in the Middle

Peter Wright takes charge of Saturday's fixture and will be joined by linesmen Johnathon Bickerdike and Simon Clayton as well as fourth official Richard Aspinall.

Wright's last game in charge of the Shrimps came back in December where Ged Brannan's men overcame Wycombe Wanderers by two goals to nil at Adams Park in the Emirates FA Cup second round.

Of his 23 games in charge so far this campaign, Wright has issued a total of 86 yellow cards and two reds.

Team News

Brandon Barker joins Stuart Moore, Donald Love and JJ McKiernan on the sidelines having picked up a training ground injury.

Listen Live!

Those unable to attend Saturday's fixture can listen to full match commentary with an iFollow Shrimps audio match pass.

First team players Stuart Moore and JJ McKiernan will be joining Dave Salmon as co-commentators.