Morecambe dealt huge blow in National League relegation battle after Hartlepool defeat

Morecambe slipped to six points from National League safety with six games of the season to go after a 3-2 defeat to Hartlepool.

The visitors came from behind twice to claim all three points in a cold night at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium, despite goals from Gwion Edwards and Jack Nolan for the Shrimps.

Click here to watch reaction to the game from manager Jim Bentley and defender Liam Hogan.

The @MorecambeFC manager Jim Bentley gives his assessment after a 3-2 defeat to Hartlepool left the Shrimps six points from National League safety with six games to play. #UTS 🦐 | #MORvHAR pic.twitter.com/lVe6NVxfvK

— Dave Salmon (@dpsalmon) March 26, 2026

Here’s @MorecambeFC defender Liam Hogan’s reaction after the Shrimps were dealt a hammer blow to their survival hopes following a 3-2 defeat to Hartlepool in the National League at the Mazuma.#UTS 🦐 | #MORvHAR pic.twitter.com/bAKTbEqqEl

— Dave Salmon (@dpsalmon) March 26, 2026

Hartlepool United had the first good chance in the 11th minute, as Jamal Blackman tipped a low effort from Charlie Caton round the post.

Midway through the first half, the hosts took the lead. Good work from Lewis Payne saw a Daniel Ogwuru header saved, and from Nolan’s resulting corner, Chris Popov laid the ball into the path of Edwards, who drove through a crowded penalty area and into the net.

Pools found the equaliser in the 33rd through Charlie Caton, after a cross from the right was deflected into his path, and he finished past Blackman from close range.

They then almost took the lead moments later, when Alex Reid curled in a 20 yard effort that crashed back off the post.

a deflected cross landed at his feet and the volleyed effort found its way past Jamal Blackman. Minutes later, the visitors nearly had a second as an effort from distance smashed off the post.

Within seconds of the restart, Charlie Caton saw the ball drop to his feet and a spectacular effort from distance is well held by Jamal Blackman, before up the other end, Payne squared the ball for Popov, but the ball got stuck under his feet and he couldn’t get the shot off.

Next, Tyrese Sinclair was inches away from giving the Pools the lead as he led a counter-attack towards the Shrimps' goal and his effort struck the crossbar and went over.

On the hour mark, the Shrimps hit the front for a second time. A counter-attack saw Miguel Azeez strike from distance, and the ball fell into the path of Jack Nolan and he volleyed home into an empty net, for his 18^th goal of the season.

But, Pools drew level once again in the 75th minute, this time through Alex Reid, after Sinclair had scampered away from Payne down the left, and his low cross was swept home.

It would be the visitors from the North East who would go on to take all three points, four minutes from time, after a neat passing move saw Cam John get to the byline and square for Reid to bunded home the winner from close range.

Ben Tollitt thought he had the equaliser in stoppage time, but an unbelievable headed clearance on the line by Cameron John saw it fly over the bar.

Morecambe entertain Aldershot at the Mazuma on Saturday.