We host Crewe Alexandra under the lights at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium on Tuesday 23 January.
Morecambe will be looking to make it two wins in two as they host Crewe Alexandra in Sky Bet League Two. Tuesday night’s visitors were originally meant to visit the Mazuma Mobile Stadium on Saturday 18 November, but international call ups for Morecambe resulted in postponement.
The Shrimps will be hoping for a continuation of their weekend performance in Buckinghamshire, where a late Charlie Brown strike won all three points for Ged Brannan’s men against a strong MK Dons side. The substitute's finish completed the comeback ignited by Jordan Slew’s second half equaliser, which cancelled out an early Max Dean goal from the hosts.
Crewe Alexandra were also on the road on Saturday afternoon, travelling north to face Barrow AFC. They came from behind with goals from Elliott Nevitt, Lewis Billington and Matúš Holíček securing the Railwaymen a 3-1 victory at Holker Street.
The two sides last faced each other during the 2021/22 Sky Bet League One season, the away side in both fixtures coming out on top. Shrimps’ fans will have fond memories of Morecambe’s trip to Crewe during this season, where an Arthur Gnahoua brace added to Adam Phillips’ opener to earn the visitors a 3-1 win.
The Opposition
The Railwaymen have had a strong campaign so far in Sky Bet League Two, Lee Bell’s side sitting in fourth position in the standings. Their 14 wins and eight draws leaving them with 50 points, only outside of the automatic promotion spots on goal difference.
Bell has been at the helm at the Mornflake Stadium since December 2022, after initially taking on the interim manager role in November 2022. He is more than familiar with the club, having started his playing career as a product of the Crewe Alexandra academy, and ultimately making over 140 appearances for the side over two spells during his career.
Key Players
Centre-forward Elliott Nevitt leads the goalscoring charts for the Railwaymen, the 27-year-old bagging 11 goals in all competitions so far this season. Nevitt has been at the Cheshire club since the start of last year after joining in the January transfer window from Tranmere Rovers.
Mickey Demetriou has also proven to be a crucial part of the Alex squad, offering both goals and assists from the centre of defence. Demetriou has scored seven and assisted five in all competitions so far this season, since making the move to the Mornflake Stadium in the summer.
Ged Brannan’s Pre-Match Thoughts
Ged Brannan spoke of his pride for his side after coming away from Stadium MK with all three points on Saturday afternoon.
“It was great,” he said. “But if you look in our changing room, we’re a top team. We should be going to places and winning games, we had a chat about that. There is nobody in this league that we can fear if we’re on our day.”
Brannan went on to speak of the challenge ahead, with a midweek fixture against a strong Crewe Alexandra side.
“We’ve got a tough one tomorrow against Crewe,” he remarked. “They’re flying, absolutely flying. We will go and give it a good shot, we are at home and obviously we want to make this a fortress and put a good run together.”
“We know we’re going to have to be at our best to get a result, and I’m sure we will be.”
“Crewe always have been a good passing team, but if you get amongst them and press them really hard and high you’ll get chances against them.”
The Man in the Middle
Ben Toner will take charge at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium on Tuesday night, officiating his 20th fixture of the season. In his last 19, Toner has dished out 91 cards, including 90 yellows and one red.
Toner last refereed at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium nearly two years ago to the day, when Wycombe Wanderers were the visitors in a Sky Bet League One clash. The Shrimps came from behind twice on this afternoon, with a Cole Stockton strike in the 67th minute ultimately securing a memorable 3-2 win for Morecambe.
Toner will be joined by Kevin Mulraine and Callum Jones, with fourth official Joe Simpson completing the team of officials.
Team News
Goalkeeper Stu Moore, defender Donald Love, and midfielder JJ McKiernan remain sidelined for the Shrimps with their respective injuries.
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