Morecambe boss is happy to talk up a title challenge

Last month, Adams outlined a target of securing 74 points to surpass the Shrimps’ record haul as an EFL club.

Now, after earning 13 points from 18 in March – taking points from fellow promotion hopefuls Cheltenham Town and Forest Green Rovers along the way – the ambition is higher.

With nine games remaining in the season, Morecambe sit sixth in the table but the closely-fought nature of the division means they are only a point behind third-placed Tranmere Rovers and five adrift of leaders Cambridge United.

Skipper Sam Lavelle has admitted the players believe they can finish in the top three – if not higher – while Adams is out to finish top of the pile.

The manager said: “We want to win the title, it’s as easy as that.

“We have got ourselves in a position where we are within striking distance of the top of the table.

“We are five points behind (leaders) Cambridge United with a game in hand and, if we beat them on Friday, we can close the gap to two points.

“We have got ourselves in a position where no one, at the start of the season, would have expected us to be.

“Now, we have got nine games to go and we have that opportunity, so it would be wrong of us not to try and finish as high as we can.”

At this stage of the season, points take precedent over performances for those sides at the top and bottom.

In Morecambe’s case, their results have been aided by an ability to swap formations when required.

For a large part of the season, Cole Stockton has played the role of lone striker with three players in support.

Last weekend, the Shrimps went with two up front and a midfield diamond, and while Adams ideally wants to marry performances with points, it’s the latter he wants now.

He said: “We’re the team that creates the most chances in the league, so that tells you we’re pleasing on the eye.

“We do get forward, we play attacking football and we create good openings

“We would like to combine a good performance with three points but, at the end of the day, it’s all about winning games of football.”

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