Lancaster City boss: Friendly with Morecambe makes 'perfect sense'

Lancaster City boss Phil Brown believes his side's pre-season friendly against Morecambe makes 'perfect sense'.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Jun 2016, 08:27 BST
Updated 9th Jun 2016, 12:04 BST
Phil Brown. Picture: Tony NorthPhil Brown. Picture: Tony North
Phil Brown. Picture: Tony North

The once annual pre-season friendly will return this summer when a young Shrimps side visit Giant Axe on Tuesday, July 19.

The local rivals’ regular encounter last took place in 2009 with a planned game 12 months later cancelled by The Shrimps.

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However after discussions between City boss Phil Brown and Globe Arena head of youth Stewart Drummond the rivalry will be renewed ahead of the new season.

Brown said: “It makes perfect sense for two clubs close to each other to play each other in pre-season.

“There are benefits for both clubs. It’s not happened for a while but I spoke to Stewart Drummond and we managed to sort something out.

“I’m more than happy to get a game on with them and thank them for sending a side.”

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The visiting Shrimps team is likely to be made up of academy and fringe players as it falls on the same night as Jim Bentley’s first team host Premier League Burnley.

It is one of seven confirmed by City ahead of the new Evo-Stik First Division North season kicking off on August 13.

The Blues first face a Stockport County XI, Brown’s former club, on Tuesday, July 12 in a game to be played at Myerscough College as the Giant Axe pitch is given extra time.

Brown then faces former City boss and good friend Tony Hesketh’s West Lancashire League side Fulwood Amateurs on July 16.

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The Shrimps game then follows before the Blues travel to West Lancashire League outfit Euxton Villa on Saturday, July 23.

Three home games then complete the build-up against Evo-Stik Premier Division Workington on Saturday, July 30, a Preston North End XI on Tuesday, August 2, and Northwich Victoria, who faced City in the league last year but have been switched to the Evo-Stik First Division South, on Saturday, August 6.

Brown said: “They’re going to be competitive and help us progress.

“I’m already looking forward to getting back out there.

“It’s pre-season and it’s about getting some fitness into the players and getting them back up to speed but there are some good tests.

“I’m pleased with the programme.”

Brown’s side return to training on July 2 with the fixtures for the new Evo-Stik First Division North season released on July 15.

Related topics:Phil BrownMorecambeLancaster CityShrimpsBlues