Morecambe boss: Penalty and red card made it a tough afternoon

Derek Adams rued two crucial moments as Morecambe were beaten 3-1 by Newport County AFC at the Mazuma Stadium.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A difficult afternoon for the Shrimps saw skipper Sam Lavelle concede an early penalty for handball before being sent off when, as the last man, he hauled down Padraig Amond with half-time approaching.

Yann Songo’o had got them on level terms, only for goals from Josh Sheehan and former Morecambe favourite Kevin Ellison to give the visitors victory.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Morecambe boss said afterwards: “Sam goes up for a header, his hand’s in the air, the ball hits his hand and it’s a penalty kick.

Yann Songo'o had equalised for Morecambe with a long-range strikeYann Songo'o had equalised for Morecambe with a long-range strike
Yann Songo'o had equalised for Morecambe with a long-range strike

“Yann scores a magnificent goal and gets us back in it. Then, unfortunately, Sam gets himself sent off and that’s the major turning point in the game.

“After that, it was going to be a difficult afternoon for us. We tried to get back in the game, I thought we pushed really hard, but just before half-time they scored to make it 2-1.

“Second half, we had a lot of domination but couldn’t get the second to equalise and, eventually, they get the third goal.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“If you give away a penalty and a sending off, it’s going to be a tough afternoon.

“Unfortunately for the 10 other players, they have to do their best.

“Ten against 11 is always difficult. It’s an uphill struggle because you’re playing a team in the play-off positions.

“From our point of view, I give credit to the players. They kept on going and were unfortunate not to get a second goal.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A numerical disadvantage was hard enough for the Shrimps, a challenge made even greater by a Newport side who were comfortable in possession.

Adams made five changes through the course of the second half with one of those replacements, Ryan Cooney, and Harry Davis having their main attempts on goal.

However, it was Ellison who wrapped up the visitors’ win before celebrating vociferously in front of the Morecambe coaching staff.

“They know the game and they have an experienced team,” Adams said of Newport.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We made some changes in the second half, they gave us an extra freshness and kept us going.

“Cole Stockton, it was difficult for him up front, but we made changes to give us some extra legs.

“I thought (Carlos Mendes) Gomes did exceptionally well, he’s a fantastic player I think will do really well.”

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 per month for the first two months. Try us today by clicking here

Related topics: