Report, highlights & reaction: Morecambe 1-1 Stockport County

The Shrimps earn a deserved point against the League Two leaders at a very wet and windy Mazuma Mobile Stadium.

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In very challenging conditions, it was the visitors who dominated possession, but were restricted to shots from distance by a resilient Morecambe defence. The best of the efforts coming just before the half hour mark, when Odin Bailey’s fierce strike from range was deflected towards goal, forcing an excellent save from Adam Smith.

Morecambe grew into the half, with Adam Mayor flashing an effort just off target from distance, and JJ McKiernan’s ow drive forcing a full-stretch save from Ben Hinchliffe.

Conditions worsened in the second half, as the Hatters again enjoyed plenty of the ball without looking particularly threatening.

Stockport came close just after the hour mark, when Bailey’s in swinging delivery from the corner very nearly snuck in, Smith tipping it over the crossbar.

After soaking up the pressure, Morecambe took the lead 20 minutes from time with a brilliant counter attack.

Jordan Slew and Eli King worked an opening down the right side, with the ball reaching David Tutonda on the edge of the area. Instead of opting to shoot, he played a perfect pass through the legs of a defender to Michael Mellon, who coolly slotted home beyond an oncoming Hinchliffe for his 13^th goal of the season.

It looked like the perfect smash and grab result for the Shrimps until three minutes from time, when the visitors finally got back on terms.

Substitute Kyle Knoyle’s inch perfect cross from the right was slid home from close range at the back post by Kyle Wootton.

A frantic conclusion provided both sides with opportunities to take the spoils; Bailey’s rangy, curling effort flashed inches wide, and an added time corner for Morecambe was scrambled clear by Stockport.

Morecambe: Smith, Tutonda, Bedeau, Songo’o (Taylor, 76’), Bloxham (Slew, 58’), King, Mellon (Davenport, 82’), McKiernan, Mayor, Senior, Connolly.

Subs not used: Pedley, Stokes, Smith, Melbourne.

Goals: Mellon (70').

Bookings: Mayor

Stockport County: Hinchliffe, Touray, Horsfall (Knoyle, 82’), Southam-Hales, Madden, Sarcevic (Camps, 23’), Pye (Richardson, 82’), Croasdale, Wootton, Olaofe, Bailey

Subs not used:  Smith, Wright, Byrne, Cotterill

Goals: Wootton (87').

Bookings: None.

Attendance: 4,505 (1,562 away).