Morecambe 2 United 0
This was a match that United probably deserved something from, certainly on their second half performance, but yet again opportunities were created that should have made the journey home far happier. Going a goal down early on was clearly a negative but almost immediately the Gulls were given a chance to put things right with a penalty but Nicky Wroe's spot kick was saved. It is arguable that the Morecambe 'keeper should have been sent off for his tug on Scott Rendell's shirt but enough chances were created to pile pressure on the home team without needing the advantage of an extra man.
There was one change for United with Eunan O'Kane returning to the starting line-up and Elliot Benyon dropping to the bench. There were places on the bench for youth trainee Saul Halpin and goalkeeper Michael Poke who was making an earlier than expected return after limping off against Port Vale eight games ago. The impressive cameo from Kevin Nicholson at Plainmoor last weekend wasn't enough to get him a starting place but he did take a spot amongst the substitutes.
United got off to a sloppy start when they fell behind in the eighth minute; a poorly struck corner from Morecambe wasn't dealt with and the experienced Mullin stabbed the ball home from three yards.
Goal: Morecambe 1 (Mullin 8) United 0
The early drama was only just beginning because the Gulls were handed a wonderful chance to draw level when Morecambe 'keeper Roche tipped a Mustapha Carayol cross into the path of Scott Rendell but the United striker missed the target with his effort. The referee though, had seen a tug on Rendell by the home 'keeper and awarded a penalty but only showed Roche a yellow card. Nicky Wroe placed the ball on the spot but his shot was palmed away by Roche and to safety.
Missed penalty: Nicky Wroe (11 min)
Moments after the penalty save Scott Rendell forced Roche into a smart stop as United pressed for a quick equaliser.
Both teams were looking to attack and most of the play was taking place at either end rather than in a midfield tussle. Mustapha Carayol had an effort blocked on its way toward goal and for the home side Hackney shot over.
Mark Ellis is always a threat in the opposition penalty area and from a right wing cross he headed a decent chance over the Morecambe crossbar but it continued an encouraging spell for United in terms of creating chances since falling behind early on.
Morecambe came close to adding a second goal after United lost possession and Duffy crossed well from the right with Artell heading over when he should have done much better. As the first half progressed it was the home side that began to dominate and although United had their moments they weren't necessarily the favourites to score the games' second goal.
Eunan O'Kane was United's best operator during the opening forty five minutes and he setup Lee Mansell but Lee's shot was slightly off target but it was an encouraging period for the Gulls as the half-time whistle approached.
Half-Time: Morecambe 1 United 0
United very nearly fell further behind immediately after the restart when Duffy forced a decent save from Scott Bevan but the Gulls held out and were in need of a period of pressure of their own. United came close to drawing level when Chris Zebroski nipped past Roche but saw a shot from a narrow angle cleared off the line and Mustapha Carayol saw a header from an O'Kane cross go wide of the target.
United were starting to ask more questions of the Morecambe defence and quicker balls into the channels for Chris Zebroski were proving far more productive than United's first half efforts.
Morecambe were playing the more direct football but United were far more effective in the second period and were enjoying extended periods of pressure which reduced the home side to counter attacking quickly which they were happy to do.
Midway through the second half Morecambe had their best period of pressure to date but United held firm and the danger eventually passed when Scott Rendell won a free-kick deep in United's half. Bucks made his first change in the 71st minute with Eunan O'Kane making way for Elliot Benyon who went and partnered Scott Rendell in attack and Chris Zebroski moved into a wide role on the left of midfield.
United almost drew level when Scott Rendell was put in but after a mistake by Bentley the Morecambe defender somehow managed to get a foot in to block the ball at the expense of a corner. From the corner the ball dropped in the Morecambe six yard box but no United player could get to the ball ahead of the home side's defence.
Scott Rendell was denied again with a blocked shot as the Gulls pushed forward chasing a goal while at the other end a break from Morecambe was denied by a Scott Bevan save as the match opened up in the closing minutes.
Eventually, and with United pushing forward it seemed inevitable, Morecambe caught the Gulls on the break with Duffy forcing things down the middle and slipping the ball to substitute Stanley who finished off neatly past Scott Bevan.
Goal: Morecambe 2 (Stanley 90 + 1) United 0
United were competitive and more than a match for their hosts, especially during the second period, but a positive performance counts for nothing if goals are conceded and chances aren't converted. The two teams beneath United also lost so the status quo remains ahead of the visit of Shrewsbury to Plainmoor next Saturday. The club's fate is in its own hands but we need to make sure that it stays that way and three points next weekend would do just fine.
Final Score: Morecambe 2 United 0
