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After Lymm last week, it was always going to be another tough match, this time at home to Morecambe. And so it turned out, a very competitive match, which both sides agreed could and maybe should have ended as a draw, but which Morecambe edged 3-2.
The first half was goalless with both defences snuffing out the opposing attackers, and perhaps only a couple of short corner chances for either side.
Morecambe broke the deadlock early in the second half when a player was allowed time on the ball in Blackpool’s D and unleashed a reverse stick shot which crossed into the goal bypassing the defensive cover.
Blackpool equalised when a long ball pass found Dave Morgan, who controlled the ball, rounded his man, ran into the D, and instead of taking on the keeper with a risky shot, offloaded the ball to his left to Ian Swaine, who scored from a tight angle but a fierce strike.
Back to stalemate, and it felt like the game could easily end in a draw, with both sides continually attacking but finding strong defences. With ten minutes to go, Morecambe managed to convert a short corner with a diagonal shot which sneaked into the right hand corner.
Blackpool had to up the pace to find the equaliser. Kieran Harris went on some mazy runs, right back Rob Dingle went marauding high up the pitch, and could have set up a goal when bringing down a lifted deflection on the back line but alas no one was in position to take advantage. Morecambe were able to counter attack and were able to sneak a third goal much to Blackpool’s dismay.
Two goals down, Blackpool were desperate, and attacked in force. But whatever they tried didn’t quite work out until a strike on it’s way towards the goal was stopped by the last defender’s foot and a penalty was awarded. Kieran Harris stepped up, and despite the keeper guessing the right side, the flick made it’s way into the back of the net. Blackpool still had another goal to find but the umpires blew for full-time so no last minute heroics.
This loss means Morecambe are now level with Blackpool but behind on goal difference, with Keswick the last remaining unbeaten side, but yet to play the seaside giants. It’s sure to be tight at the top until the end of the season.
(c) Peter Latimer 12/11/11