Morecambe climb out of relegation zone after win over struggling Macclesfield

Posted Sunday, September 23, 2018 by PA

Morecambe secured a vital three points with a 2-1 victory over fellow League Two strugglers Macclesfield, who sit at the foot of the table.

Andy Fleming was Morecambe’s matchwinner with a goal 13 minutes from time after Danny Whitaker had levelled following AJ Leitch-Smith’s 61st-minute opener.

The first half produced few clear chances but Macclesfield were reduced to 10 men when former Morecambe skipper Michael Rose was given a straight red for a poor challenge on Alex Kenyon on the halfway line.

Liam Mandeville had the best opportunity to break the deadlock in the first 45 minutes when the Morecambe striker curled an effort inches over the bar before Macclesfield goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara saved smartly from Rhys Oates.

Morecambe failed to make the man advantage count until just after the hour-mark when Leith-Smith gave the hosts the lead with his first goal for the club.

Mark Yates’ side hit back with a smart goal from veteran Whitaker on 72 minutes as he smashed home after Morecambe failed to clear a long thrown from James Pearson.

The visitors were then undone a second time as they pushed bodies forward and were caught out on the counter attack as Andrew Tutte played in Fleming for the midfielder to produce a fine finish to beat O’Hara.