Morecambe boss says Shrimps' striker deserves more credit

Morecambe striker Cole Stockton has been backed by manager Derek Adams

The striker got off the mark for the campaign last weekend with what proved to be the winning goal in the Shrimps’ 3-2 victory at Oldham Athletic.

On the face of it perhaps, one goal in six league and cup appearances this season doesn’t appear much to write home about.

However, Stockton plays a key role from the attacking and defensive standpoints.

Part of his duties involves holding up the ball before bringing his team-mates into play and allowing the Shrimps to break at pace; something they have done to great effect already this season.

From a defensive perspective, he is first to close down the opposition when they have possession; most notably his selfless role during the victory against Port Vale a fortnight ago.

It is those attributes which Adams has been keen to highlight after the club’s fine start to the season.

“I’ve always said I don’t rely on one person to get me the goals,” the Morecambe manager said.

“I rely on the team to get goals from set plays as well as midfielders and strikers getting goals, as well as assists from wide out.

“Because Cole does a really difficult job for us, he doesn’t get a lot of credit from outwith.

“However, from inside the football club, the management team, the coaching staff and the playing staff all understand the role he plays.”

Stockton’s goal at Oldham was a classic centre-forward’s effort, meeting John O’Sullivan’s cross with a firm header into the net.

As Adams alluded to after that game, Morecambe’s victory was a triumph borne out of work on the training ground.

Another cross, this time from Ryan Cooney, enabled Aaron Wildig to score his third of the season, while a corner routine saw Alex Kenyon head home.

“It was a great ball in from John O’Sullivan and an even better header,” Adams said of Stockton’s goal.

“We work every week on getting into good positions. I feel we’re very good on the counter-attack and that was shown against Oldham.

“It was a really good performance and we could have been further ahead if we had taken our opportunities.”