PNE vs Morecambe

Morecambe were the visitors to Deepdale for the Carling cup 1st round on the night of Tuesday 14th August. Not many, not even the most optimistic Morecambe fans expected the night to go down in history as Morecambe greatest night. The little seaside town outplayed their famous local rivals in their first appearance in this competition.

PNE line up: Henderson, Jones, Mawene, St.Ledger, Hill, Whaley, Nicholls, Carter, Pugh, Mellor, Ormerod

PNE bench: Lonergan, Neal, Sedgwick, Hawley, Carroll

Preston made only two changes to the side that held a resilient Norwich at bay on Saturday. Both full backs were changed so Matt Hill and Billy Jones got their first games of the season. New loan signing Andy Carroll had to settle for the bench whilst centre half Liam Chilvers was still not selected.

Morecambe couldn`t have dreamed for a better start and their skipper was living the dream. Jim Bentley will never score a sweeter volley after connecting beautifully with Craig Stanley`s cross after 6 minutes. The Deepdale crowd was in shock and so were the many stay aways. However the 2`000 traveling Morecambe fans were loving it.

Preston 0-1 Morecambe

Preston were never really in the game for the opening 45 minutes, Neil Mellor came closest with a header that troubled Morecambe`s keeper but Morecambe held Preston at bay. Artell and Bentley were like rocks for Morecambe and nothing could get through them. Stanley continued to create openings for Morecambe though.

Just before the break, Fraser MacLachlan had to be stretched off injured before Preston`s Kevin Nicholls had a tussle with Morecambe`s manager.

Half time: Preston 0-1 Morecambe

Preston began to pile the pressure on in the second half with Jones, Mellor and Pugh all coming close. Hawley was introduced to the action and before long a goal came. Hawley crossed in the ball from deep found Danny Pugh`s head, equalizing for Preston, to the relief of all the Preston fans.

Preston 1-1 Morecambe

The relief didn`t last long though as a goalkeeping error late on by Wayne Henderson gifted Morecambe a famous victory. David Artell the scorer, pouncing in the area after Henderson dropped a cross.

Preston 1-2 Morecambe

The goal was scored so late, Preston never really had a chance to get an equalizer. New loan signing Andy Carroll came on in search for a goal on his debut.

Full time: Preston 1-2 Morecambe

Player Ratings

Wayne Henderson
5

Billy Jones
6

Youl Mawene
6

Sean St.Ledger
6

Matt Hill
6

Simon Whaley
4

Kevin Nicholls
6

Darren Carter
5

Danny Pugh
7

Neil Mellor
5

Brett Ormerod
5

Chris Sedgwick
6

Karl Hawley
6
N/A

Editor’s comment
A very disappointing display and an embarrassment for North end fans. There was little support last night but that is no excuse for not beating a minnow like Morecambe. However it is only the Carling cup so not much to worry about. The league is more important and the sooner we get this setback behind us the better.