When Morecambe travels to Cheshire to play Crewe Alexandra in a Sky Bet League Two match, they will be looking to get back to winning ways on the road.
At the Mazuma Mobile Stadium, the Shrimps will be looking to improve on their draw with Grimsby Town from the previous Saturday. Jordan Slew’s goal in the second half of this afternoon’s match defeated Danny Rose’s early goal for the visitors. The rewards were eventually divided since neither squad was able to emerge victorious.
The Railwaymen had a trip to Meadow Lane against Notts County to look forward to over the weekend. Before Josh Austerfield, a former Shrimp, scored a goal to put Crewe ahead three goals to none, Mickey Demetriou and Elliott Nevitt gave the visitors a 2-0 lead at the half. The hosts’ goal through Jim O’Brien was only a consolation as the visitors prevailed 3-1 in the end.
The Shrimps have played 33 games this season, however they haven’t yet faced Crewe Alexandra because the rematch was postponed twice. The last time Morecambe visited Mornflake Stadium was during the Sky Bet League One season of 2021/22. This evening, the Shrimps won a memorable 3-1 thanks to an Adam Phillips opening and a brace from Arthur Gnahoua.
The Opposition
With Lee Bell’s team currently in third place in the standings, the Railwaymen have had a successful start to their Sky Bet League Two season. With 17 victories and 10 losses, the Cheshire team now has 61 points, two fewer than league leaders Mansfield Town.
After accepting the position as interim manager in November 2022, Bell has been in charge of the Mornflake Stadium since December 2022. Having come through the Crewe Alexandra system to begin his playing career and ultimately make over 140 appearances for the team over two seasons during his career, he is well acquainted with the club.
Key Players
Elliott Nevitt, a 27-year-old centre forward who has scored 13 goals in all competitions this season, is the Railwaymen’s top goalscorer. Nevitt joined the Cheshire club during the January transfer window from Tranmere Rovers, and he has been there since the beginning of 2023.
As the centre of defence, Mickey Demetriou has also shown himself to be an invaluable member of the Alex team, contributing assists as well as goals. After moving to the Mornflake Stadium in the summer, Demetriou has so far this season assisted six goals and scored nine in all competitions.
Pre-Match Thoughts of Ged Brannan
Manager of Morecambe Ged Brannan discussed the challenging task that lay ahead, taking on a Crewe Alexandra team that is playing well.
It is going to be a really tough game,” he stated. “They’re on a great run so it’s going to be hard for us, but we’ve got a good game plan.
We’re going to go there and give it our best shot and see what happens.
We’re a good match for anyone on our day, so tomorrow we’ll be confident as hell.
The Man in the Centre
This Saturday afternoon at Mornflake Stadium, referee Farai Hallam will be in charge of officiating his fifth match of the year. Hallam will be in charge of the Shrimps’ game for the first time.
Assistants Thomas Harty and Danny Gratton will stand at his sides, and fourth official Simon Mather will round up the officials.
