Derek Adams feels late decision against Morecambe ‘summed up our season’

Posted Sunday, September 29, 2024 by PA

Morecambe boss Derek Adams said his players were convinced they were denied their first victory of the season as a major decision went against them in the dying minutes of a 1-1 draw with Notts County.

Jamie Stott was convinced he had put the Shrimps ahead when his close-range effort seemed to be over the line before David McGoldrick cleared but referee James Westgate was unmoved as the home side had to settle for their third successive draw which leaves them still without a league win this season.

Adams said: “The players tell us they thought the ball was over the line but the assistant says he didn’t see it. The Notts County players told our lads they thought it was a goal and Jamie is convinced it was too but that has summed up our season really with a lot of big decisions not going for us which has hampered our progress.

“In terms of our performance I thought we were excellent and created a lot of chances but just couldn’t get that second goal. We worked hard on how we would set up during the week and it worked well. We had players with legs and we had players who could cause them problems and I really believe we deserved to win the game.”

Notts County boss Stuart Maynard said: “They scored early on and when you concede as early as we did it makes things very difficult.

“I thought they were very good today but we did create chances. Their keeper made a great save in the second half from George Abbott and if that had gone in I think it would have changed the game.

“We showed a lot of character and determination to keep battling to the end and got a well-worked goal with a great cross from Sam Austin. To come away with a point isn’t ideal because we want to win every game but it is a long season and I think we will look back on this one and think it was a good point.”

Morecambe enjoyed the best possible start when Lee Angol bundled home Adam Lewis’ corner in only the second minute of the game and there the Shrimps restricted the Magpies to few chances.

It was Morecambe who looked the more threatening with Callum Jones fizzing a 20 yard drive inches wide of the right-hand post and Jordan Slew shooting straight at Alex Bass in first-half stoppage time.

The visitors were more direct in the second half with Nick Tsaroulla curling a shot just wide and Abbott forcing a superb low save from Stuart Moore before the Magpies levelled 10 minutes from time when Matty Platt turned home Austin’s low cross.

The final minutes ended in drama when Stott was sure his close-range effort was in but not given by the officials. To make matters worse Kayden Harrack was given a second yellow card for his protests and sent off for the second time this season.