Match report: Morecambe off to great start thanks to late Farrend Rawson winner

Morecambe's League 2 campaign is off to a winning start thanks to Farrend Rawson's late header against Walsall.

The centre-back nodded home after Yann Songo'o's header came back off the bar from Adam Mayor's perfectly delivered injury time free kick, sparking huge celebrations by the goal-line as Morecambe clinched a 2-1 home win on Saturday.

Earlier Adam Mayor had slotted home in the first-half after a slick Shrimps move, only for Daniel Johnson to equalise for the visitors before half-time.

The Shrimps lined up with plenty of new faces, with three teenagers in attacking positions in 18-year-old Mayor, and 19 year-olds Tom Bloxham and Michael Mellon.

Morecambe displayed plenty of energy in the first-half and seized early control, forcing four corners in quick succession, while Bloxham's strike was palmed away by Walsall 'keeper Owen Evans.

Mayor slotted home on 25 minutes after JJ McKiernan and Eli King combined to send him clear on the left to slot past Evans.

But with the Shrimps on top, Walsall scored a breakaway equaliser, a long ball sending Johnson clear to finish under Stuart Moore.

Walsall had their chances in the second-half, James-Taylor heading over, and then Johnson's shot coming back off the inside of the post into the grateful arms of Moore.

Mellon shot on the turn straight at Evans, before Rawson's winner sent the Mazuma Mobile Stadium into scenes of celebration.

"It's pleasing for these young players, they're having to grow up quickly and they've done that today," said manager Derek Adams afterwards.

"It was just a really good performance from us today."

Morecambe: Moore, Love ©, Bedeau, Rawson, Songo’o, Bloxham (Slew, 90+2’), King, Mellon (C Smith, 90+2’), McKiernan (Davenport, 90+2’), Mayor, Senior.

Subs not used: A Smith, Stokes, Brown, Melbourne.

Goals: Mayor (25’), Rawson (90+2’).

Bookings: Love, Songo’o, McKiernan, Rawson, Bedeau, Slew.

Walsall: Evans, Gordon, McEntee, Daniels ©, Riley, Hutchinson, Williams, Oteh (James-Taylor, 67’), Hussey, Stirk, Johnson.

Subs not used: Smith, Foulkes, Comley, Allen, Matt, Tierney.

Goals: Johnson (38’).

Bookings: Riley, McEntee, Hutchinson, Johnson.

Red cards: None.

Attendance: 4,609 (1,327 away).