Photo Credit: Morecambe FC official website.
Photo: Flickr/ Paul Armstrong
With overcast conditions at the Mazuma Stadium, Morecambe host Portsmouth for a League One clash, pitting two sides at opposite ends of the table against each other.
While the hosts sit 22nd in the League One standings, Pompey look to establish a lead over sixth-placed Bolton Wanderers.
Connor Ripley starts for Morecambe in goal while Donald Love captains the Shrimps, returning from injury. Max Melbourne also starts on the bench following an injury earlier in the season.
At the other end of the pitch, Josh Griffiths stands between the sticks while Clark Robertson leads Portsmouth’s away side.
The whistle is blown by referee Adam Herczeg and Morecambe get the match underway after winning the coin toss.
The match gets going in quick tempo, possession switching hands as both teams look for weak points in the other’s defence.
A near-miss for Morecambe as a cross glides over Portsmouth’s box, narrowly missing their man. Portsmouth are quick on the counter attack but the Shrimps knock the ball out for a corner.
After a tackle from Portsmouth, Caleb Watts goes down on the pitch for a brief period, returning to the pitch after a brief assessment. The home side are not happy as the ref continues play.
Jensen Weir lines up to take a free kick for Morecambe after a foul but hits Portsmouth’s wall. It heads off for a corner.
Another missed opportunity for Shrimps as Ryan Cooney has no other option but to send it into the box. The ball meets one of his teammates, but Pompey are quick to remove the threat.
A powerful shot from Owen Dale is narrowly sent over the post, with two corner following. On the second, Ryan Delaney goes down in the box, heading off the pitch for a quick evaluation.
Another opportunity from Portsmouth’s Connor Ogilvie saw him fire the ball into the box, then being sent low into Ripley’s gloves.
Morecambe are quick to pounce again, but ultimately fall short, leaving the score line at 1-0.
Portsmouth captain Robertson goes onto the ground, being carried off by medical staff before continuing on with the game.
Four minutes have been added on to the first half. Quickly, Shrimps use this to their advantage, running into the box but sending the ball wide.
The first half draws to a close with Morecambe leading at home. This came dramatically, however, with a fast Morecambe counterattack by Weir narrowly foiled by Griffiths.
The game gets back underway, Pompey starting the second half behind by one and needing to secure at least one goal to have anything to show for their long journey.
Captain Robertson has been replaced by Denver Hume for the second half.
Immediately Morecambe establishes what they need to do. Caleb Watts fires the ball towards goal, but it narrowly drifts wide.
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