Morecambe’s relegation from League Two sealed after Salford defeat

After 18 seasons in the English Football League, Morecambe's relegation to the National League was confirmed after a 3-1 defeat to Salford at the Mazuma on Easter Monday.

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Morecambe began the contest needing to win and hope Tranmere Rovers didn’t win their game against Barrow to stand a chance of remaining in the relegation battle, but the visitors opened the scoring in just the third minute.

Morecambe failed to clear their lines from a free kick, and the ball fell to Osama Ashley in the box who rifled a low effort through a crowded area and into the back of the net.

The Ammies continued to have by far the best of it in the final third, with the Shrimps indebted to goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne, who made a string of fine saves to keep the game at 1-0.

Kelly N’Mai found himself in a good position to release a strike which was turned around the post, he then made another brilliant stop to deny Ben Woodburn before a making a full diving save to his left to push away Luke Garbutt’s free-kick.

Next, Yann Songo’o made a spectacular goal-line clearance to prevent the visitors from doubling their lead as they continued to apply the pressure.

That pressure told four minutes before half time, as former Shrimps striker Cole Stockton was slipped in inside the box, and he finished low past Burgoyne for his 15^th goal of the season.

The Shrimps pulled one back in the 52nd minute when Max Taylor’s long throw found captain Songo’o free in the box to score into the bottom corner.

Morecambe rallied for spell but simply couldn’t create another clear opening to score again.

The Ammies made it three late on, when on the break a cross came in from the left hand-side and N’Mai was there to tap in from close-range.

Morecambe: Burgoyne, A Lewis, White, Taylor, Stott, Angol (Whaite, 83'), Dallas (Slew, 66'), P Lewis (Hope, 75'), Tollitt (Fairclough, 83'), Songo'o ©, Jones.

Subs not used: Schofield, Cooke, Snowball.

Goals: Songo'o (52').

Bookings: A Lewis, Songo'o, White, Fairclough.

Salford City: Young, Berkoe, Ashley (Watson, 90+4'), Fornah, Stockton (Taylor, 90+4'), N’Mai, Woodburn (Lund, 90'), Mnoga (Longelo, HT), Garbutt ©, Adelakun (Edwards, 89'), Austerfield.

Subs not used: Jones, Warrington.

Goals: Ashley (03'), Stockton (41'), N'Mai (86').

Attendance: 3,027 (335 away).