Shrimps Live celebrates 250th Morecambe FC commentary

Beyond Radio is proud to have been the official media partner of Morecambe Football Club since 2021, and this week marks a special milestone in that partnership.

Tuesday evening’s clash between the Shrimps and Tamworth in the National League will be the station’s 250^th full match commentary, with Beyond Radio’s Shrimps Live covering every kick, every game and every goal of all league and cup games for almost five seasons.

The coverage began back in August 2021, when Morecambe – newly promoted to League One for the first time in the club’s history, travelled to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town, as Cole Stockton scored twice in a 2-2 draw.

Below: Dave Salmon and former Head of Media at Morecambe FC, Matt Smith, at Portman Road for the first ever Shrimps Live commentary

The Shrimps would then go on to retain their League One status, beating relegation on the final day of the season.

Since then, 50,000 miles have been travelled to away games, and Beyond Radio has broadcast on the Shrimps playing at the likes of Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, Derby County’s Pride Park and Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough, as well as memorable trips to Premier League giants Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup.

As well as the highs, there have of course been plenty of low points too, including relegation from League One away at Exeter on the final day of the 2022/23 season, and then a second relegation from League Two last season, while the club has also had five different managers in the form of Stephen Robinson, Derek Adams (twice), Ged Brannan, Ashvir Singh Johal, and now, Jim Bentley.

The accompanying podcast to Shrimps Live, The Shrimps Verdict, has been downloaded more than 350,000 times, giving fan the chance to catch up on highlights and reaction to games, and special guests.

Here are a few of our favourite goals that we’ve commented on:

‘Sublime, ridiculous, absolutely brilliant’ – Cole Stockton scores from the half way line v Fleetwood

‘Absolute delirium!’ – Antony O’Connor scores against Spurs in the FA Cup

‘Diagouraggggaaa!’ – Morecambe come from 3-0 down to beat Doncaster 4-3

Host of Shrimps Live is experienced broadcaster, Dave Salmon. Dave has been in the media industry for almost 30 years, and is no stranger to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium, reporting on the Shrimps for the former Bay Radio, before returning as lead commentator.

‘’It’s been a great honour to host Shrimps Live,’’ said Dave.

‘’From the thrill of the amazing Premier League venues of Stamford Bridge and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, to the less glamourous grounds that feature in the National League, it’s been a rollercoaster of an experience. I can’t believe we’ve reached 250 games. It’s flown by.

‘’Beyond Radio has established itself as an integral part of the local community over the years and this is reflected in the station’s ongoing significant investment in the coverage, which has gone from strength to strength as the partnership goes on.

‘’We always try and make the coverage as interactive as possible for supporters, both on air and online, to deliver a service that both the club and supporters can be proud of.’’

‘’We believe it’s vitally important for Morecambe FC supporters to have access to full match commentary and keep up to date with what's happening on the pitch, week in week out, as this is a service that no other media outlet provides.

‘’Thanks to everyone who has tuned in, whether you a regular listener, or have just listened once for a few minutes, it’s really appreciated.’’

‘He’s saved it!’ – Harry Burgoyne saves a penalty against Chelsea in the FA Cup

The Shrimps Live current commentary team – Dave Salmon and Ben Cassar, Vice Chair of the Shrimps Trust

Morecambe fans can listen to exclusive, uninterrupted radio commentary of every single game between now and the end of the National League season, by tuning in across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay on 103.5FM and 107.5FM, as well as being available to listen to online via smart speaker, mobile app and the Beyond Radio website.