🔎 The Opposition: Morecambe (A)

Exeter look to build on their month-long unbeaten run with a gruelling trip to the north west coast on Tuesday.

Here’s an overview of out hosts from Morecambe.

• Founded: 1920
• Nicknames: The Shrimps
• Honours: Conference Play-off’s 2006/07
• Home Kit: MACRON Red shirts, white shorts with red trim shorts, Black socks red trim
• Away Kit: MACRON navey blue shirt with white trim and light blue pinstripes, Navy blue shorts and socks.
• Form: WLLDW (6th in League Two)

Morecambe FC celebrate their centenary year for the 2020/21 season, when several attempts to start a senior football club in a much rugby-favouring area finally succeeded in May 1920. Morecambe were immediately inducted into the Lancashire Combination. The Club shared a ground with Woodhill Lane cricket club before moving to Christie Park, named after the then club president.

Seafood and comedic entertainment make up the bulk of Morecambe’s heritage.

On the famous Bay stands a statue of the towns most famous son. Eric Morecambe. One half of the beloved Morecambe and Wise entertained the nation for decades. As we head into a second lockdown, it is important that we all stick together to come through stronger again. So, in the words of the great men: “In this world where we live, there should be more happiness. Bring me fun, Bring me Sunshine, Bring me Love”.  

Morecambe spent most of their history in non-league until the 2006/07 season. Under the newly appointed Sammy McIlroy the club reached the Conference Play-off final when a late Danny Carlton goal saw off Exeter.

Last season, Morecambe finished in 18th. Their joint highest finish since 2013.   

The Manager

Derek Adams

The man who suggested Ollie Watkins’ winner in the derby was 'lucky', Derek Adams, 45, hardly needs an introduction to City Fans. The boss of our fiercest adversary for four years joined Morecambe in November 2019, replacing the long serving Jim Bentley. 

Adams spent his most of his 17-year playing career in Scotland, only switching to Burnley for two games in 1996. His longest stay was at Motherwell between 1998-2004 where he featured over 150 times for The Steelmen.

His first managerial job in England began down the A38 in 2015, before making the switch to Morecambe. He has an impressive record as a manager, with a 42%-win rate in over 500 games on the touchline. 

Stadium

• Name: Mazuma Stadium (Globe Arena)
• Capacity: 6,476
• Year Opened: 2010
• Address: Christie Way, Westgate, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA4 4TB

Known as the Mazuma Stadium for sponsorship reasons, the stadium was opened in 2010 to replace the old Christie Park, and as such, the road built embraces J.B Christie’s name- the original club President of Morecambe FC.

The Peter McGuigan Stand - named after the current club chairman- is the only seated part of the stadium. The ground consists of 3 standing terraces, one of which is still uncovered. In 2013, Morecambe achieved their highest attendance at the Globe Arena, when 5,375 people packed the ground for the FA Cup 3rd round feature against Newcastle United.

One To Watch

Adam Phillips

Phillips has started the season in a rich vein of form, scoring six goals in 13 games, including five in the league. In his second loan spell from Burnley, the 22-year-old spent most of his youth career at Liverpool. As a 16-year-old Phillips featured in a pre-season friendly for the Reds.

Yet to finally make his breakthrough at subsequent moves to Norwich and Burnley, Phillips found his form at Morecambe in the second half of last season, with 4 goals and 3 assists in 11 games. He re-joined the Shrimps at the beginning of this season and has quickly become the spearhead of the side.

Sam Lavelle and Aaron Wildig are also key names that could be problematic for City, as Sam Moakes reports.

Head to Head

In a rather young 'rivalry' between Exeter and Morecambe, the two first met in 2003 after City’s relegation to the Conference. The Shrimps first ever win against Exeter City was at Wembley in 2007.  

There have been 77 goals in 27 games, as the last fixture in November ended 2-2.

• Exeter City wins: 11
• Draws: 12
• Morecambe wins: 4

Recent encounters

Morecambe 2-2 Exeter City, League Two, 3/11/2020

Jake Taylor smashed home a second half equaliser, after the Shrimps’ strong response to Joel Randall’s composed opener.   

Morecambe 2-3 Exeter City, 24/08/2019

Nicky Law’s late strike moved City top of the League Two table whilst the home side finished the game with 10 men. Jake Taylor and Lee Martin’s goals were earlier cancelled out by Lewis Alessandra.

Exeter City 0-0 Morecambe, 12/01/2019

Neither side found the finishing touch, in a stale affair at the Park.

Morecambe 0-2 Exeter City, 11/08/2018

Pierce Sweeney’s spot kick and Jayden Stockley’s header saw City take the spoils in the early season encounter.

And Finally…

The club’s original nickname was The Seasiders due to its obvious location but in recent years change it to ‘The Shrimps’ taking its new title from its potted coastal delicacy.

How to Watch

Whilst we would love you to be there, showing your passionate support for the Grecians, you can get the next best thing by purchasing a match pass at the cost of just £10 in the UK. The stream includes the live BBC Radio Devon commentary, score overlay and replays.