Back in time: Morecambe claim Capital One Cup success at Blackpool

This week, we’re heading back to August 2012 when the Shrimps claimed a 2-1 Capital One Cup victory against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

This was how ADAM LORD described the action that afternoon...

Morecambe boss Jim Bentley heaped praise on his side after they produced the shock of the round to beat Blackpool in the Capital One Cup on Sunday.

Goals from Lewis Alessandra and Andy Fleming gave his side a “famous” victory to give the Shrimps a perfect start to the new season.

“It was a great win for the club and the supporters who were absolutely amazing,” said Bentley.

“We have done well in this competition in the past but this is perhaps the best win yet against a side who were challenging for the Premiership at the end of last season.

“We rode our luck at times but overall every single player put in an absolutely amazing shift.

“They battled all the way through and put their bodies on the line and also played some excellent football as well against a very, very good side.

“I’m proud of the lads and the fans because they were absolutely unbelievable and it gives us a great platform for the season ahead.

“It’s a special day for the football club and another famous occasion that we will all remember.”

The Shrimps certainly had the best possible start with Alessandra firing them into the lead in only the fifth minute with a sweet strike from the edge of the area that beat Matt Gilks low to his right-hand side.

Good could have become even better moments later, when Kevin Ellison forced Gilks into a save with a dipping volley and Jordan Burrow failed to take advantage of a one-on-one situation with a shot that went over the crossbar.

Midway through the half Blackpool began to threaten themselves. Matt Phillips hit the foot of the left-hand post when put through on goal and then Barry Roche made an excellent save to block an effort from Tom Ince.

Blackpool were clearly rocked by words from boss Ian Holloway at the break and they came out strongly in the second period.

Phillips forced Roche into another decent save after cutting inside from the left and Gary Taylor-Fletcher flicked a header inches wide.

But just as Blackpool seemed set for an equaliser the Shrimps doubled their advantage with a quality goal.

Summer signing Andy Wright played in Fleming with a clever through ball and the midfielder made no mistake with a calm finish past Gilks.

Blackpool were forced to step up the pace and were denied by a magnificent save from Roche who tipped away a Taylor-Fletcher header at full stretch with Ince only able to divert the rebound into the side netting.

Roche was finally beaten 11 minutes from time as Alex Baptiste latched onto Ellison’s mistake to score from eight yards and set up a thrilling finale.

Elliot Grandin almost ensured the game went into extra time with a shot that hit the post on 89 minutes but the Shrimps stayed firm and held on for an historic victory.