Goal:
0-1: Parrish OG (35, got a touch ahead of Bird to push the ball beyond his advancing goalkeeper)
Bookings: None
Referee: Mark Haywood (Leeds): Let a few things go, should have booked Ellison for a rough foul on Tshibola, but overall caused little angst 7
Attendance: 1,673
Entertainment: 4/5
MORECAMBE (4-4-2): Arestidou 5; Beeley 4 (McGowan 86), Hughes 6, Parrish 5, Wilson 5; Mullin 6 (Sampson 66, 5), Wright 5 (Drummond 66, 6), Fleming 6; Amond 6, Redshaw 6, Ellison 6. Subs (not used): Stewart, Kenyon, Williams, Goodall.
HARTLEPOOL UNITED (3-5-2):
8 Flinders: Always a commanding presence in his area, made saves when called upon, none more so than a fine one from a Ellison header;
9 HARRISON: Utterly dominant, won his share of towering headers, fully committed and gave his all from start to finish
7 Mirfin: Again read the game well in the back line, made some vital blocks and interceptions to keep the lead intact
7 Jones: One day one of his headers from a corner will go in – but more importantly his defensive duties in a three-man back line were solid;
6 Austin: Not a natural wing back, but did the job asked – especially in the second half as he dropped in deep when the home side pressed
8 Tshibola: His best performance in a few weeks, strong, mobile and effective. Both he and Featherstone seemed to enjoy having an extra body in there
8 Featherstone: It’s been a while since he exerted so much influence on a game – right from the off he was up for this one and used the ball effectively
7 Walker: Back in the side for the first time since December and enjoyed it. A busy performance and this will do him the world of good after a flat season so far
8 Duckworth: Left wing-back isn’t his normal or natural spot, but relished the task. Energetic going forward and strong and diligent defensively;
6 Bird: Worked away, dropped deep for the ball when didn’t have a great deal to feed on, but his presence brought the decisive goal
7 Franks: Played through the middle and was more involved than when he’s out wide, full of energy and direct running.
Sub:
Hawkins (for Walker 72)
(not used): Maxted (gk), Holden, Harewood, Hawkins, Richards, Smith, J Jones.
MAN OF THE MATCH Scott Harrison – solid, and more of the same will be needed in the coming weeks
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