Story of our season – Derek Adams not surprised Shrimps bowed out with defeat

Morecambe boss Derek Adams felt his side’s 2-1 defeat by Harrogate told “the story of their season”.

The Shrimps were relegated from the Football League two weeks ago and ended the season with six successive defeats after Harrogate came from behind with two quickfire first-half goals to take three points at the Mazuma Stadium.

Morecambe started the game on the front foot and took the lead in the 13th minute as Max Taylor nipped in front of his marker to head home an Adam Lewis corner.

Harrogate soon hit back however and took the lead with two goals in quick succession.

In the 20th minute a goalmouth scramble ended with Bilongo scoring from close range after Bryn Morris’s shot from the edge of the area rebounded into his path.

Town added a second a minute later when Cursons found the net from close range after Ryan Schofield had parried Ellis Taylor’s shot.

Morecambe dominated possession for long periods but the closest they came to getting a leveller was on the stroke of half-time when Mark Oxley saved superbly from Jamie Stott’s close range effort.

Adams said: “The game was the story of our season in many ways. We had a lot of possession and plenty of opportunities on the day which we should have done better with but gave away two really sloppy goals and struggled to create much after.

“I’ve said the same thing far too many times this season. We haven’t defended well enough when we have been on top in games and not taken our chances when we have had them.

“The second half was attack after attack but we haven’t been good enough to get the ball in the back of the net. We had some really good chances but didn’t have the quality we needed to get the ball over the line.

“It summed up our season right at the end when we got ourselves into a great position in their 18-yard box and we turned back and tried to find another pass and that showed why we haven’t been as prolific as we should have been in front of goal.”

Harrogate boss Simon Weaver said: “I’m really proud of the players. It is so important to end the season on a high note in front of the fans that have made the journey today. It was important that we performed with intensity and take that into next season.

“We reacted well to going behind and we have bounced back all season and that shows the mentality we have. We were disappointed with the goal we gave away but they started well but from then we defended excellently throughout and at the other end I was delighted for Bryant Bilongo and Tom Cursons to get on the scoresheet.

“Tom is a relentless runner and he took his goal well and shows just how well he can into our system.”

Weaver also paid tribute to Josh Falkingham, who played his last game for Town after making 304 appearances for the club.

He said: “Josh is a legend with the club and it was emotional at the end. I am so glad it ended on a high for him.”