Morecambe top EFL Trophy group despite defeat against Carlisle

Morecambe have progressed to the knockout phase of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy as group winners despite defeat against Carlisle United in their final group game.

The Shrimps made 11 changes to their starting line up from the side that took to the field at Harrogate on Saturday, as manager Derek Adams rotated his squad.

This included defender Nathan Snowball, with the 16 year-old first year Academy scholar handed his full senior debut at left back.

George Ray also returned to the side after injury for the first time since the opening day of the season, and he was called into action early on, making a block to deny the visitors a third minute opener.

In the 16th minute, goalkeeper Harry Lewis's attempted clearance landed at the feet of Hope whose long range chip landed just over the crossbar.

Moments later Hope made no mistake in similar circumstances. Yann Songo’o won possession from another loose Lewis clearance and fed in Hope who converted from close range for his third goal of the season.

The Shrimps almost made it two after Harvey Macadam was first to react to a short pass from Jack Robinson, but opted to slide in Hope rather than shoot, and his whose shot on the angle was wide.

At the end of the first half, Harry Burgoyne was called into action as he pushed away a long range effort from the visitors.

Morecambe were put under more pressure in the second but largely remained in control of the contest, aside from a notable chance for the visitors on the hour mark, when Burgoyne made two magnificent saves in quick succession from Taylor Charters and Luke Armstrong.

Gwion Edwards saw his effort pushed away by Harry Lewis, before the visitors found an equaliser fifteen minutes from time.

Ben Williams broke down the left, and squared the ball to Freddie O’Donoghue who found the net with his first touch after coming off the bench.

Three minutes later, the Blues took the lead as Williams tapped the ball into the back of the net at the back post following a counter down the right.

Adam Lewis nearly netted an equaliser himself in the closing stages, but his drive from the edge of the box was tipped over.

Morecambe qualify for the knockout phase as group winners following wins in their opening two fixtures, with the next round due to be played during the week commencing December 9. 

Morecambe: Burgoyne, Taylor, Macadam, Hope (Brown, 81'), Slew (Edwards, 66'), Harrack, Ray (Tollitt, 86'), P Lewis, Millen, Songo'o © (White, 81'), Snowball (A Lewis, 66').

Subs not used: Williams, Dobson.

Goals: Hope (16').

Bookings: Snowball, A Lewis.

Carlisle United: Lewis, Harper (Neal, 63'), Charters (O'Donoghue, 74'), Vela (Lowes, 74'), Ellis, Robinson, Barclay © (Atkinson, 62'), Allan, Armstrong, Hetherington, Harris (Williams, HT).

Subs not used: Smith, Hopper.

Goals: O'Donoghue (75'), Williams (78').

Attendance: 788 (155 away).