Derby day delight for Morecambe as Shrimps overcome Accrington

Morecambe moved to within two points of safety in League Two after a 2-0 win over Accrington in the Lancashire derby at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.

There’s highlights, reaction and more in the latest episode of The Shrimps Verdict podcast, out now.

Two second half goals for the Shrimps saw Derek Adams' men overcome their Lancashire rivals.

The game remained deadlocked at half-time despite a number of big chances for either side, though Lee Angol opened the scoring nine minutes into the second half.

With two minutes of normal time remaining, Ged Garner made sure of the win with a goal on his second debut.

After a fast-paced start, Gwion Edwards tried to get the ball under his control which ultimately led to it falling kindly for Andy Dallas who struck a venemous strike at Billy Crellin, he palmed the ball away from danger.

Moments later, Tyler Walton timed his run to perfection and broke through on goal, though Ryan Schofield made himself big to deny the visitors an early lead with a terrific save.

A half-chance then fell the way of the Shrimps as Luke Hendrie's ball into the box fell into the path of Lee Angol, though a recovering defender was in the right place at the right time to block the shot.

Just as the visitors had a tame shot on goal at one end, Derek Adams' men quickly launched a counter which resulted in Edwards pulling the trigger from the edge of the box, his shot lacking the power to truly test Crellin.

The crossbar came to Morecambe's rescue midway through the first half as Walton did well to control the ball before striking a dipping effort which bounced off the top of the bar and over for a goal kick.

Eight minutes later, Walton reacted quickest to Alex Henderson's flicked header and shot from distance; Schofield had to dive, but the ball whistled wide.

Dallas then dispossessed a poor Crellin clearance and made up ground, twisting and turning beyond Stanley defenders before launching the ball at the goalkeeper from close range.

The Shrimps continued to apply pressure and ended the half strongly as Crellin was called into action again. This time, to keep out Callum Cooke's strike which took a deflection on its way through.

After nine second half minutes, the deadlock was broken through Angol who capitalised on a defence lapse of concentration and beat both the defender and goalkeeper to the ball to head home.

Looking for a quick response, Stanley came close to a leveller after Whalley rose highest to meet the cross before glancing a header narrowly wide.

As the minutes rolled beyond hour-mark, Whalley unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box which was blocked well at close range by Max Taylor.

In similar fashion 10 minutes later, Henderson had a shot from an ambitious angle from distance which substitute Jamie Stott was equal to with a block.

An outstanding block from Rhys Williams denied Stanley a huge opportunity on 85 minutes as the Liverpool loanee got into a great position to get across and deny Charlie Caton's effort from finding the target.

Three minutes later, Garner wrapped up all three points with a powerful strike on the turn which went through Crellin and into the back of the net.

Morecambe: Schofield, Hendrie ©, A Lewis (Tutonda, 81'), Taylor, Edwards (Dackers, 76'), Macadam, Angol (Stott, 70'), Williams, Dallas (Garner, 76'), P Lewis, Cooke (Songo'o, 81').

Subs not used: Burgoyne, Tollitt.

Goals: Angol (54'), Garner (88').

Bookings: None.

Red Cards: None.

Accrington Stanley: Crelin, Love (Brown, 87'), Coyle (Grant, 62'), Whalley, Woods (Hunter, 83'), Henderson (Mooney, 83'), Ward, Matthews, Walton (Caton, 62'), Aljofree, Conneely ©.

Subs not used: Kelly, O'Brien.

Goals: None.

Bookings: Walton, Love, Henderson.

Red Cards: None.

Attendance: 3,473 (496 away).