Morecambe bow out of EFL Trophy after Blackpool defeat

Morecambe exited the EFL Trophy after a 2-1 defeat to Blackpool in their final group fixture.

The Shrimps needed a point to progress to the knockout stages of the Bristol Street Motors sponsored competition, but the 2-1 loss at Bloomfield Road means Derek Adams’ men fail to progress after only winning once in three group games.

After a quiet opening period, the Seasiders broke the deadlock on 21 minutes.

Former Morecambe loanee Jensen Weir sent a corner into the box, the ball was initially cleared but the second cross found striker Jake Beesley, who finished with a sweet left foot volley past Adam Smith.

On 41 minutes, Andy Lyons picked up possession and shot just outside the area, his strike took a deflection which Smith held comfortably.

Blackpool doubled their advantage moments after the restart.

Lyons found room on the left side of the Morecambe penalty area, and his cross was headed home by Beesley, for his, and Blackpool’s second goal of the evening.

The Shrimps then enjoyed a spell of pressure of their own. Efforts by Senior and Songo’o were blocked, while McKiernan fired over from a narrow angle.

At the other end, substitute Tayt Trusty came within inches of adding a third for the hosts. Weir played in the youngster down the right-hand side of Morecambe’s box, but his effort was cleared off the line by Jacob Bedeau.

Weir then fired over from 25 yards, before for Morecambe saw a rasping drive fly wide of target.

In stoppage time, Morecambe halved the deficit when Ethan Walker’s corner was headed home by Farrend Rawson from close range.

Despite late pressure, including a fierce strike from McKiernan, the home side held on for victory.

Blackpool: O’Donnell, Gabriel (Donkor, HT), Weir, Beesley (Lescott, 71’), Casey ©, Lyons, Oakley-Boothe, Tharme, Miles (Trusty, 58’, Jones, 77’), Mariette, Squires.

Subs not used: Chapman, Nyame, Opawole.

Goals: Beesley (21’, 46’).

Bookings: Miles, Mariette.

Morecambe: A Smith, Tutonda (Melbourne, 67’), Bedeau, Rawson ©, Songo’o (Connolly, 88’), Bloxham (C Smith, 82’), McKiernan, Mayor, Senior, Slew, Davenport (Walker, 67’).

Subs not used: Pedley, Rooney, Mercer.

Goals: Rawson (90+1’).

Bookings: Slew.

Attendance: 1,829 (277 away)