Morecambe end 2025 in National League relegation zone after Carlisle defeat

Morecambe will end 2025 in the National League relegation zone after a narrow defeat at Carlisle United on Tuesday evening at Brunton Park.

Luke Armstrong’s goal in first-half injury time was enough to give the home side all three points, while the Shrimps, for plenty of good football, especially in the first half, struggle to fashion clear goalscoring opportunities.

Morecambe named an unchanged side from the team that started against Rochdale on Boxing Day.

Click here to watch the full post match reaction from manager Ashvir Singh Johal.

Here’s the full ten minute press post match interview with @MorecambeFC manager Ashvir Singh Johal after the Shrimps slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Carlisle in the National League.

Includes plenty on transfers and a detailed update on current injuries.#UTS 🦐 | #CARvMOR |… pic.twitter.com/7N4K7T4jCk

— Dave Salmon (@dpsalmon) December 31, 2025

Jordan Jones had the first real opportunity on goal as he struck from distance, forcing Jamal Blackman to palm it over the crossbar.

Morecambe’s best chance of the match came in the 30^th minute, as a strike from Emmerson Sutton was pushed into the path of Ben Tollitt who smashed it over the crossbar from 15 yards.

Despite plenty of excellent general play for the Shrimps, Carlisle’s goal came in first half stoppage time.

Regan Linney drove down the left, and his pinpoint low cross found Luke Armstrong who fired into the roof of the net from six yards.

In the second half, Carlisle came out for the second half looking to double their lead, with a strong save from Jamal Blackman stopping the Cumbrians from doubling their advantage.

At the other end, Jack Nolan found Emmerson Sutton free in the area, but his effort was was saved tipped around the post by Gabe Breeze.

That was the closest Morecambe got to an equaliser, as the hosts saw a late effort from substitute Stephen Wearne strike the cross bar from distance.

Morecambe travel to Atrincham on Saturday (January 3).

Carlisle United: Breeze, Feeney (C), Hayden, Linney (Mugabi 90+6'), Embleton (Wearne 68'), Ellis, Gilliead, Jones (Murray 45'), Williams, Armstrong (Kelly 76'), Macadam.

Subs Not Used: Lewis, Ajiboye, Whelan.

Goals: Armstrong 45+1'.

Bookings: Linney 36'.

Morecambe FC: Blackman, Kacurri, Francillette, Azeez, Aarons (Muskwe 67'), Sesay (C) (Conte 86'), Tollitt, Sutton (Williams 86'), Thomas (Dixon-Bonner 75'), Raikhy (Lewis 75'), Nolan.

Subs Not Used: Mair, Payne.

Bookings: Kacurri 36', Francillette 82', Tollitt 85'.

Attendance: 8,356 (639 away)