Talking Points: Morecambe pegged back by Notts County

Reporter Adam Lord looks at Morecambe’s 2-2 draw with Notts County on Monday.
Morecambe celebrate Shaun Miller's opener against Notts County.Morecambe celebrate Shaun Miller's opener against Notts County.
Morecambe celebrate Shaun Miller's opener against Notts County.

Mixed emotions as lead slips away

On most days, seeing a 2-0 lead slip away would be real cause for concern and frustration.

The latter was certainly true on Monday as The Shrimps came close to what would have been an excellent three points at Meadow Lane after goals from Shaun Miller and Kevin Ellison had put them well in command.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But having struggled for form in recent weeks most fans would have feared for their side when Izale McLeod levelled things up with half an hour to play.

The game only seemed to be going one way and it wasn’t looking good for Jim Bentley’s men. There has been criticism about a lack of fight and grit at times in this patchy run so it was heartening to see The Shrimps dig in and battle hard for a point they were ultimately satisfied with in the final game of 2015.

Signs some flowing football is back

As well as more grit and character there was also more flowing football on show at Meadow Lane. It a bid to tighten up a leaky defence some of the fine passing and movement that was a signature of Morecambe’s fast start to the season has been lost in recent weeks.

Some of that has been intentional, certainly in the games against Dagenham and Fleetwood, but at other times when it has been needed it has been lacking.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was therefore pleasing to see Morecambe find their footballing feet again on Monday especially early on. Jamie Devitt, playing in his preferred central role, was key to this and his pass for Shaun Miller’s opener was sublime.

Magic Miller back on the scoresheet

Having set the division alight with his stunning October, scoring seven goals in all competitions to kickstart his Shrimps career, Shaun Miller has had something of a lean spell. Monday’s goal was his first since October 20.

It was of course always going to be difficult to replicate the kind of form he showed to be named Player of the Month but the striker looked sharp again on Monday and could have had more than just his one goal, Roy Carroll producing a good save from a header early on.

As ever with the former Crewe man it wasn’t just his form in front of goal that caught the eye however.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His movement leading the line was excellent and his link up play will be a key component if The Shrimps are to return to their footballing best.

Related topics: