Morecambe remain in League Two relegation zone after narrow Doncaster defeat

Morecambe remain in the League Two relegation zone after another 1-0 defeat, against Doncaster Rovers at the Mazuma.

Inside the first minute, Rovers had a chance through Rob Street who, with the angle against him, blasted over the crossbar from close range.

Moments later, Street was presented another opportunity which he duly converted. A cross from the right came in from Luke Molyneux which the Lincoln City loanee connected with and converted with a glancing header into the far corner.

A first sight on goal for the Shrimps came midway through the first half as Harvey Macadam whipped a venemous cross into the box aiming for Ged Garner, forcing a defender to intercept and turn the ball behind for a corner.

A couple of minutes later, a Rhys Williams cross into the box called Sharman-Lowe to come for the catch which he missed, a goal-mouth scramble ensued before the visiting goalkeeper smothered possession.

Seconds after coming on to replace the injured Ryan Schofield, Harry Burgoyne made a vital save at close range to deny the visitors their second of the evening through Owen Bailey.

With half-time quickly approaching and the Shrimps going in search of a leveller, Callum Cooke whipped in a dangerous free kick towards Williams who looked to get a toe to the ball before Sharman-Lowe just about beat him to it.

In the first of four added minutes at the end of the first half, Andy Dallas found Paul Lewis at the edge of the box; he controlled the ball before striking an effort which was deflected away by a Rovers defender.

Looking to begin the second half in similar fashion to the first, Street timed his run well and found himself one-on-one with Burgoyne. After rounding the goalkeeper, Street's strike deflected off the post and into the face of Luke Hendrie before going out for a corner.

At the other end, a mazy run from Marcus Dackers into the box bamboozled the opposition defenders. He then crossed across the face of goal toward Dallas but a recovering defender was able to clear the danger as far as Macadam on the edge of the box whose scuffed shot rolled wide.

Four minutes before the hour mark, the Shrimps nearly found an equaliser in unusual fashion. Burgoyne kicked long out of his hands, Tom Anderson looked to head back to his goalkeeper but the header was high and nearly looped over Sharman-Lowe, though he was able to claim high.

Derek Adams' men continued to apply pressure and came close again on 60 minutes. Macadam crossed toward the penalty spot where Dackers met it, his header flying narrowly wide of the far post.

At the other end, Jordan Gibson did well to evade defensive pressure from Luke Hendrie and Rhys Williams to break through on goal before striking well over Burgoyne's bar.

With 20 minutes to play, Jack Senior was dismissed following a cynical foul from behind on Ged Garner.

Eight minutes later, some neat one-two play between Gwion Edwards and Dallas down the right allowed the former a shot on goal, though it lacked the power and direction to truly test the visitors.

Despite a number of late chances and increased pressure, the Shrimps were unable to find an equaliser, and remain two points from safety.

Morecambe: Schofield (Burgoyne, 31'), Hendrie, Stott ©, Macadam, Williams, Dallas (Angol, 86'), P Lewis, Dackers, Cooke (Edwards, 66'), Tutonda (A Lewis 86'), Garner (Tollitt, 85').

Subs not used: White, Songo'o.

Bookings: Dackers.

Doncaster Rovers: Sharman-Lowe, Sterry, Anderson, Olowu, Molyneux (Ironside, 79'), Broadbent (Nixon, 72'), Street (Sharp, 80'), Gibson (Kelly, 80'), Clifton, Bailey ©, Senior.

Subs not used: Lawlor, Ennis, Crew.

Goals: Street (03').

Bookings: Bailey, Clifton.

Red Cards: Senior.

Attendance: 2,951 (423 away).