Report, highlights & reaction: Morecambe 1-0 Bradford City

Morecambe progressed to the third round of the FA Cup for the fourth time in five seasons after beating Bradford City 1-0 at the Mazuma.

There’s highlights, reaction and much more in the latest episode of The Shrimps Verdict podcast, which you can download here.

The first chance of note came the way of the Bantams just after the 15-minute mark, as Harry Burgoyne reacting blocked Bobby Pointon’s strike at the near post.

Then, in the 26th minute, the Shrimps worked the ball to Harvey Macadam in the box, with the midfielder unleashing a powerful strike only to be denied the opener only by the base of the far post.

The Bantams had opportunities to take the lead as half time approached.

Andy Cook headed at Burgoyne, though play was pulled back for offside. 

Minutes after, Jay Benn was released down the right-hand side but his wild shot flew over the bar.

Then a huge opportunity just before the break went begging for the visitors, as Cook's cute pass released Oliver Sanderson through on goal, but his dinked effort was comfortable for Burgoyne.

Ten minutes after half time, Ben Tollitt, celebrating his 30^th birthday, produced the first notable chance of the half, as Sam Walker did well to get down and keep out his strike from just inside the box. 

At the other end, Tom White made an unbelievable goal line clearance to deny the visitors as Pointon’s effort looked goalbound, while Marcus Dackers produced a powerful strike on the turn, but it was inches wide of the target. 

Chances were now coming thick and fast for Morecambe as Tollitt found Jordan Slew, his goal-bound effort forcing Walker into a low save.

The turning point of the match came 15 minutes from time, as Bradford were reduced to ten men. 

Defender Neill Byrne received a straight red card for forcefully pushing Slew into the advertising hoarding.

Morecambe made the man advantage count seven minutes later.

Hendrie's perfectly floated cross found Slew in the middle who struck a fine first time low volley into the back of the net from 12 yards.

Three minutes later, Tollitt nearly doubled the advantage with a fantastic strike which look destined to find the top corner, but Walker pulled off an incredible save at full stretch to deny the Shrimps a second.

The draw for the third round of the FA Cup takes place on Monday evening, where clubs from the Premier League and Championship enter the competition.

Morecambe: Burgoyne, Hendrie, A Lewis, White, Stott, Macadam (P Lewis, 84'), Hope (Dackers, 55'), Slew, Williams, Tollitt, Songo'o ©.

Subs not used: Scales, Taylor, Harrack, Brown, Millen, Tutonda.

Goals: Slew (82').

Bradford City: Walker, Halliday (Richards, 87'), Byrne, Smallwood © (Oliver, 87'), Walker (Pattison, 71'), Cook, Huntington, Sanderson (Kavanagh, 71'), Pointon (Oduor, 71'), Shepherd, Benn.

Subs not used: Doyle, Baldwin, Evans, Diabate.

Bookings: Benn.

Red Cards: Byrne.

Attendance: 3,101.