Report, highlights & reaction: Crewe Alexandra 1-0 Morecambe

Morecambe remain without a point, or a goal, in League Two, after a fifth straight 1-0 defeat at Crewe.

There’s highlights, reaction and much more in the latest episode of The Shrimps Verdict Podcast – search for it on Acast, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get yours.

A penalty just before half time converted by the hosts proved to be the difference in a game where once again, the Shrimps created good scoring opportunities, but failed to convert any of them.

A generally quiet first half saw chances at a premium for either side. Rhys Williams headed a cross over his own bar to safety, while at the other end Callum Jones dragged an effort from distance wide of the mark, before a counter attack by Gwion Edwards led to a right wing cross being overhit.

Just before the break, the home side were awarded a penalty, when Yann Songo’o was adjudged to have pulled the shirt of Mickey Demetriou in the area.

Up stepped Hemmings who sent Moore the wrong way to open the scoring.

Morecambe made a triple half time substitution and changed shape to a back three and wing backs, and this saw a much improved attacking performance, with numerous opportunities created.

The best of them came ten minutes after the interval, when Marcus Dackers, making his debut from the bench on loan from Salford, dispossessed goalkeeper Marschall in the area. The ball fell to Luke Hendrie, but with the goal gaping, could get his effort on target.

Hemmings then fired an effort across the face of Moore’s goal, nearly doubling the advantage for the Alex.

Lee Angol then came agonisingly close to an equaliser for the Shrimps on 76 minutes after turning well and striking powerfully from close range, though Marschall did very well to palm the ball away.

From the resulting corner, a powerful strike came in from Adam Lewis which again the Crewe 'keeper was equal to.

Morecambe continued to press in the closing stages as Adam Lewis' powerful strike, which again looked to be on target, was blocked by Ryan Cooney, while Jamie Stott’s goalbound effort beat the keeper, but was headed off the line by Jamie Knight-Lebel.

Crewe Alexandra: Marshall, Cooney, Knight-Lebel, Williams, Demetriou ©, Sanders (Holicek, 62'), Thomas, Tracey (Bogle, 61'), Tabiner (Breckin, 83'), Hemmings (Connolly, 75'), Conway (Lankester, 61'). 

Subs not used: Booth, Billington.

Goals: Hemmings (43').

Bookings: Tracey.

Morecambe: Moore, Hendrie (Millen, 62'), Stott, Edwards (Dackers, HT), Macadam, Angol, Slew (P Lewis, HT), Williams, Tutonda (A Lewis, HT), Songo'o © (Tollitt, 78'), Jones.

Subs not used: Burgoyne, Harrack.

Goals: None.

Bookings: Songo'o, Angol.

Attendance: 4,868 (303 away).