Exeter maintain 100 per cent winning start as Morecambe suffer second defeat

Posted Sunday, August 12, 2018 by PA

Exeter made it two wins from two as Matt Taylor continued his 100 per cent start to his managerial career while Morecambe slipped to a second successive defeat.

A penalty from Pierce Sweeney and a second-half header from from Jayden Stockley gave the Grecians a 2-0 victory in a tight game.

Exeter took the lead after 43 minutes through a controversial penalty.

Lee Holmes was fouled on the edge of the area by Jordan Cranston and, despite Morecambe pleading the offence was outside the box, the referee pointed to the spot and Sweeney slotted past Barry Roche.

The Shrimps had the better chances until the goal with striker Vadaine Oliver guilty of missing a gilt-edged opportunity when the ball came to him unmarked in the box six yards out, only for him to shoot tamely at Christy Pym.

Kevin Ellison was also guilty of wasting two good chances when twice teed up by excellent crosses from Aaron Wildig.
Exeter’s best effort came from a Hiram Boateng free-kick that curled inches wide of the left hand post.

Morecambe started the second half well with Alex Kenyon heading a Liam Mandeville corner inches wide and Zak Mills volleying over after a neat move.

But their hopes of a comeback were dashed with Exeter’s second after 66 minutes when Sweeney turned provider with a superb right-wing cross that was headed home by the prolific Stockley.

Morecambe almost pulled one back quickly when AJay Leitch-Smith headed goalwards form close range, only for Pym to pull off a stunning save to ensure a clean sheet.

Rhys Oates then missed another two chances for Morecambe in the final minutes as the home side failed to score for a sixth successive game.