Derek Adams bemoans dropped points as Morecambe draw with Accrington

Posted Wednesday, October 04, 2023 by PA

Morecambe manager Derek Adams was disappointed not to take three points from the 1-1 draw with Lancashire rivals Accrington in League Two.

Adams saw his side create a host of chances before taking the lead in the 64th minute through James Connolly, only to see Accrington pull level with a Tommy Leigh penalty five minutes later.

Adams said: “The first half was the best we have played all season. I thought we were outstanding. We passed the ball well, we moved well and created chances and we should have been ahead by a few goals at the break.

“We got ahead but we unfortunately gave away a soft penalty with a needless challenge and even though we had the better chances we couldn’t get the winner we deserved.

“At the end Accrington were happy with the point, everyone could see that.”

After an action-packed but goalless first period, on-loan Bristol Rovers defender Connolly scored his first goal for the Shrimps as he diverted Jordan Slew’s shot past Jon McCracken from six yards.

The lead lasted just five minutes however as the home side gave away a soft penalty with winger Tom Bloxham bringing down Shaun Whalley with a crude challenge, giving Leigh the chance to send Stuart Moore the wrong way from the spot.

Slew had a golden chance to win it deep in stoppage time when he was played in on goal but slashed his final effort wildly wide.

The closest either side came to a goal in the first period was when Morecambe midfielder Jake Taylor was played in by Michael Mellon but saw his goalbound chip cleared off the line superbly by former Shrimps defender Kelvin Mellor.

Mellon saw two efforts well saved by McCracken while at the other end Joe Pritchard forced a superb save from Moore and Jack Nolan hit the crossbar with a curling corner.

Accrington boss John Coleman said: “It was a cracking game with both teams going toe to toe and in the end a good point.

“We took the game to them which is more like us and we had to come from behind which was good too. We were disappointed with the goal they scored because it was a clear foul on our player but I was pleased with the way the lads fought back and got our penalty.

“I thought we were going to go on and get a second because we had the lion’s share of possession in the final 20 minutes but at the end of the day I don’t think anyone can say a draw wasn’t a fair result.”