Defensive frailties cost Morecambe once again in Braintree defeat

Morecambe remain in the National League relegation zone after a 1-0 defeat at fellow strugglers Braintree Town.

Goalkeeper Jamal Blackman had already been called into action in just the third minute to deny Sahid Kamara inside the penalty area, before what proved to be the key goal just a few minutes later, and it was another defensive error that proved costly.

Under little pressure, Yann Songo’o played the ball back to Blackman on the edge of the area, but his pass to Miguel Azeez was intercepted by Goran Babic, who then had the simple task of finding an empty net from 20 yards out with the goalkeeper stranded.

Click here to watch reaction to the game from manager Ashvir Johal.

Morecambe were under par in the first half, but still managed to test the goalkeeper Jack Thompson on four occasions, including efforts from Ben Tollitt, Jack Nolan and Azeez, but all were straight at the host’s stopper and all from outside the penalty area.

At the other end, the Iron could have doubled their lead midway through the half, as the hosts found space down the left, with the ball crossed to Terrell Works, but his effort from close range was superbly blocked by Blackman.

The Shrimps were the better team in the second half and came within a whisker of finding an equaliser on the hour mark, as a break away move found Tollitt in space on the left wing. His square ball found Harrison Panayiotou, but the striker’s low effort hit the foot of the post from 12 yards.

George Thomas then saw his close range effort stopped by Jack Thompson, while substitute, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas had the chance to put the game to bed, however his effort was straight at Jamal Blackman.

As the half wore on, it was Braintree who managed the closing stages well, to record the narrow victory that leaves the Shrimps three points from safety inside the National League relegation zone, with 17 points from 21 games.

Braintree Town: Thompson, Langston, Omrore, (Akinde 67'), Vennings, Marshall-Miranda, Babic (Blackwell 58'), Pinnington, Kamara (Walker 76'), Terry, Logan, Works (Emmanuel-Thomas 76').

Subs not used: Francis-Clarke, Hockey, Hubbard.

Goals: Babic 6'.

Bookings: Babic 26', Marshall-Miranda 48'.

Morecambe FC: Blackman, Kacurri, Francillette, Azeez, Panayiotou (Aarons 68'), Cain (Sangare 83'), Tollitt, Songo'o (C) (Lewis 68'), Sutton, Thomas (Dixon-Bonner 89'), Nolan.

Subs not used: Mair, Payne, Raikhy.

Bookings: Cain 53', Sutton 84', Kacurri 90+1'.

Attendance: 905