Morecambe manager won't get carried away by Tranmere Rovers defeat

Derek Adams refused to be too downhearted after watching Morecambe’s unbeaten home run come to an end last weekend.
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The Shrimps suffered a first defeat in 11 matches at the Mazuma Stadium when Tranmere Rovers left with a 1-0 victory.

Kaiyne Woolery’s late goal proved decisive in a game where Morecambe saw Adam Phillips miss a penalty with the scoreline goalless, before Yann Songo’o was sent off.

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However, as Adams outlined afterwards, losses on home soil have been the exception rather than the norm for the Shrimps.

Morecambe striker Cole Stockton received a message from his managerMorecambe striker Cole Stockton received a message from his manager
Morecambe striker Cole Stockton received a message from his manager

“It’s only the fourth home (league) defeat since I’ve come to the club,” the manager said.

“When you go down to 10 men and miss a penalty, you know it’s not going to be your day.

“We’re in a fantastic position. We’re sixth in the table with 41 points, we couldn’t have asked for a better start and we have put ourselves in a very good position.”

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Monday’s deadline day saw the Shrimps lose top scorer Phillips after he was recalled by Burnley and then loaned to Accrington Stanley.

The midfielder had netted 10 times this season, two more than Carlos Mendes Gomes, leaving Adams with the dilemma of how to replace that contribution.

More goals from Cole Stockton might appear the obvious answer, given the striker has only scored five times this season.

Stockton’s contribution, nevertheless, is measured by more than goals with his aerial strength and ability to hold up the ball being key to the Shrimps’ style of play.

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That’s despite the 26-year-old struggling to be given free-kicks in his favour when under pressure from opposition defenders.

With that in mind, Adams believes he should try and emulate one of Tranmere’s forwards when it comes to game management.

Adams said: “He (Stockton) has to do the same as James Vaughan.

“He gets a lot of fouls because the defender makes contact, he falls over and the ref gives them a foul.

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“Cole Stockton tries to stay up, be strong and doesn’t get the fouls. That’s just the way it is.”

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