Report, highlights & reaction: Harrogate Town 2-1 Morecambe

Morecambe made it through to the next stage of the Papa Johns Trophy despite losing late against Harrogate Town.

Click here for highlights, reaction and much more in the latest episode of The Shrimps Verdict Podcast

The Shrimps started the game perfectly, and it was youngster Adam Mayor who fired his side ahead with his first senior goal on three minutes, following good work down the right by Connolly and Gnahoua.

Nine minutes later and it was very nearly two, after Kieran Phillips found himself closing down on goal, but his resulting chip failed to find its intended target.

Arthur Gnahoua came close to doubling Morecambe’s advantage on 14 minutes, his powerful strike from inside the box on the right was turned behind for a corner.

The hosts found an equaliser on 28 minutes through Finn O’Boyle who struck home a powerful effort following a scramble in the Morecambe box, after good work on the edge of the area by Daly.

A few minutes later, Phillips timed his run to perfection and managed to round Oxley, but his effort on goal was deflected behind.

Just past the hour mark, Matty Daly picked up possession and ran at the Morecambe defence before cutting inside and unleashing an effort on goal, though Anthony O’Connor did well with the block.

On 68 minutes, Sam Folarin should’ve fired Harrogate in front, but his effort from close range was blasted over the bar.

10 minutes from time and O’Boyle came close to adding his, and Harrogate’s, second of the evening, but a last-second interception by Anthony O’Connor denied the youngster.

Shortly afterwards and it was Derek Adams’ men who came close taking the lead; Jacob Bedeau played an inch perfect pass into the path of Phillips, but the striker was unable to find the target once again.

Five minutes before time and it was Morecambe again who came agonisingly close to claiming maximum points, Mayor broke through down the left, his effort was blocked and the resulting cross into the mix was met by Phillips, whose header cannoned back off the crossbar.

The hosts won the game following a late corner from the right, where Welch-Hayes forced the ball home from close range.