A 30-yard freekick from Morecambe’s Jack Nolan was cancelled out by a calm and collected finish from Ollie Crankshaw to ensure both sides left Moss Lane with a point.
A cold night at the J. Davidson stadium prior to kick-off set the scene for a bitter contest, but neither side came into the game on their best form. The home side had only won one of their last nine in all competitions and found themselves 18th in the National League, just two points above the relegation zone. Visiting Morecambe had been in even worse form heading in, winless in six and finding themselves in the relegation zone and seven points adrift from safety. Morecambe are however hoping for a new manager bounce as Jim Bentley is back at the helm following Ashvir Singh Johal’s departure on the back of a series of bad results.
Morecambe had the better start as after just thirty seconds the ball fell to Popov near the penalty spot. His shot forced a good reflex save from Luke Hutchinson followed by a clearance by Matty Kosylo.
Altrincham’s first real chance came in the 17th minute. Kosylo’s long ball was met by a marauding Jimmy Knowles who tried to place a low driven shot blocked by Jamal Blackman in the Morecambe goal.
Just five minutes later and Altrincham were on the attack again. Golden got the ball on the left wing and floated a cross into the box where it was met again by Jimmy Knowles. Just the same as last time however Morecambe’s Blackman was able to hold onto the ball.
It was a dream start for Morecambe in the second half. A freekick was won around 30 yards away from the Altrincham net which was converted by Jack Nolan. He curled and absolute beauty up and over the wall and in off the Altrincham post.
The Morecambe lead didn’t last for long however. A long ball was played forward to Jimmy Knowles on the right wing, who laid it back for Ollie Crankshaw. He controlled it well before placing the ball into the back of the net via the left upright.
A huge controversy appeared 65 minutes in when a shot slips through the hands of Hutchinson in the Altrincham net with many Morecambe players and supporters alike believing it crossed the line. However, Michael Barlow didn’t seem to think so and the game remained level.
At the same time Morecambe striker Chris Popov got clashed with Altrincham keeper Luke Hutchinson, with the former ending up on the ground. Despite pleas towards both the referee and linesman no foul was given nor card was shown.
The quality for the remainder of the game was poor. Both sides were careless in possession with shots from range that were no trouble for either keeper being the only chances of note.
That was until the 90th minute as Morecambe got a freekick near the corner flag which was played to the edge of the box, meant for goalscorer Jack Nolan. His shot was blocked in the six yard box. Shouts of handball from the visiting Morecambe fans, however nothing was given.
Both sides will be looking for better results on Saturday. Altricham is set to welcome Yeovil Town at the J.Davidson Stadium, while Morecambe will play Truro in a relegation clash.
Match Facts
Altrincham lineup: Hutchinson, Kosylo, Sassi, Grant (Cooper ’63), Golden, Marriott, Forde (Jones ’63), Crawford (C), Reddin, Knowles (Kirk ’74), Crankshaw (Weaver ’74).
Unused subs: Fallon, Breckin, Olson
Morecambe lineup: Blackman, Payne, Dean, Francillette, Williams (McWilliams ’71), Songo’o (C) (Thomas ’78), Azeez, Lewis, Nolan, Edwards (Tollitt ’71), Popov
Unused subs: Boney, Nuttall, Fairclough, Akindileni
Attendance: 2,088