Exeter move top with win at Morecambe

Posted Sunday, August 25, 2019 by PA

A late goal from Nicky Law earned Exeter a 3-2 win at Morecambe and moved them to the top of Sky Bet League Two.

Law slotted home a loose ball at the far post five minutes from time after the home defence had failed to clear a right-wing cross and the former Rangers man made no mistake with a cool left-foot finish from a tight angle.

Exeter went ahead in the 21st minute after a smartly-worked goal.

Law won the ball in midfield and played in Lee Martin down the left-hand side. His low ball into the box was met by Jake Taylor who slid the ball past Barry Roche from eight yards.

The visitors added a second five minutes later after another flowing move.

Law was again involved as he forged an opening in the Morecambe box that was foiled by Ritchie Sutton’s fine tackle. The ball rebounded to Andrew Tutte but the midfielder hesitated and Martin took advantage to fire home from close range.

The Grecians thought they had scored a third on the stroke of half-time only to see a Dean Moxey header ruled out for offside when the ball took a deflection off one of his team-mates on the line, and Morecambe took advantage of the let-off with a superb reply.

Four minutes into added time substitute Lewis Alessandra produced a stunning shot from 25 yards that dipped and curled past Lewis Ward to bring the home side back into the game.

The goal gave the home side a massive lift and they looked much better after the break.

Alessandra struck again in the 63rd minute to bring the Shrimps level. A ball was fed into Cole Stockton in the Exeter area and he teed-up the striker to bring the scores level.

The game swung from end to end, with both sides looking for a winner. Law provided the telling moment.

Morecambe piled forward at the death and after being caught on the break, Sam Lavelle was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card after bringing down Ryan Bowman.