Report, highlights & reaction: Morecambe 1-1 Accrington Stanley

Morecambe maintained their unbeaten home start to the League Two season after a 1-1 draw with Accrington at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.

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Defender James Connolly netted his first of the season on 64 minutes before Tommy Leigh equalised from the penalty spot six minutes later.

After his first goal of the season against Forest Green Rovers, Jordan Slew nearly netted again after meeting Michael Mellon’s cross at the back post, but his effort was straight at Stanley keeper Jon McCracken who saved with his legs.

Moments later, at the other end, Moore was called into an action with an acrobatic save to his left to deny a Stanley strike from outside the area.

Then, Michael Mellon saw a volley from inside the box deflected behind for a corner before Matt Lowe’s flicked effort went narrowly wide for the visitors.

On 32 minutes, Jake Taylor found himself through on goal, his chipped effort over the keeper headed away from near the line by former Shrimp, Kelvin Mellor.

Two early second half chances fell the way of the Shrimps through JJ McKiernan. First, a volley on the turn flew wide before the Northern Irish youth international broke through one on one, only to see he his effort blocked by McCracken and then cleared by a defender.

Morecambe kept knocking on the door and were rewarded 19 minutes into the second half.

First, Jordan Slew stung the palms of McCracken with a fierce strike from the left, before five minutes later he was involved in the opener.

A cross from Eli King on the right fell to Slew, who fired the ball across the box and there waiting was Connolly whose deft touch sent the ball beyond the keeper and into the back of the net.

The lead lasted just five minutes, as Stanley found themselves level from the penalty spot.

Tom Bloxham sent Shaun Whalley tumbling in the box, before Tommy Leigh converted from 12-yards.

With the game looking to heading for a draw, Morecambe had a superb opportunity to win it at the death.

In the eighth minute of stoppage time, JJ McKiernan slipped in Slew, but he couldn’t keep his effort on target, as the spoils were shared

Morecambe: Moore, Tutonda, Bedeau ©, Bloxham (Mayor, 75’), King, Mellon, McKiernan, Senior, Slew, Taylor (Davenport, 79’), Connolly.

Subs not used: A Smith, Songo’o, C Smith, Walker.

Goals: Connolly (64’).

Bookings: Bloxham, Bedeau.

Red cards: None.

Accrington Stanley: McCracken, Mellor (Whalley, 56’), Hills, Woods, Lowe, Pritchard ©, Longelo (Shipley, 87’), Gubbins (Pickles, 76’), Nolan, Leigh (Martin, 76’), Andrews.

Subs not used: McIntyre, O’Brien, Woods.

Goals: Leigh (70’).

Bookings: Andrews, Hills.

Red cards: None.

Attendance: 3,458 (320).