Morecambe boss continues to be impressed by Burnley loanee

Morecambe manager Derek Adams had high praise for Adam Phillips following his key contribution to the Shrimps’ weekend win.
Adam Phillips scores from the spot in Morecambe's win against Port ValeAdam Phillips scores from the spot in Morecambe's win against Port Vale
Adam Phillips scores from the spot in Morecambe's win against Port Vale

The Burnley loanee made it three goals in four league matches this season with the winner as Morecambe defeated Port Vale 1-0 at the Mazuma Stadium.

The 22-year-old has four goals in all competitions so far, having also scored in the season-opening Carabao Cup win at Grimsby Town.

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Saturday’s winner maintained his knack of stepping up when required, having scored in the victory at Cheltenham Town as well as inspiring the win at Southend United 10 days ago.

“Adam is very composed,” the Morecambe boss said of his matchwinner.

“It was a well-taken penalty and he’s done ever so well for us.

“Last week, he scored one and set up one. Today he’s got the penalty and we’re delighted to get that goal and get another clean sheet.”

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Just as pleasing for the Morecambe manager was his side’s defensive efforts.

Saturday’s clean sheet was their first in the league this season, having conceded 12 goals in their previous two home outings against Cambridge United and Newcastle United.

On a difficult day for football given the gusty wind and driving rain, the Shrimps limited Port Vale to few chances despite having much the better of the possession.

Loanee keeper Jake Turner kept out efforts from Devante Rodney and Leon Legge but wasn’t called into serious action otherwise.

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“I think it’s important that they have clean sheets,” said Adams.

“Today we kept to our shape. We were very disciplined and we didn’t allow their attacking players to cause us any threat.”

While the new season remains in its early stages, Morecambe have made an impressive start.

The opening month of the season has seen them defeat Vale and Cheltenham, both of whom have been tipped to challenge for promotion to League One this season.

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They have also got the better of a Southend United team who, for all the club’s off-field difficulties, were playing in a higher division during 2019/20.

“We’ve had a tough start to the league,” Adams said.

“You’ve got to remember we’ve played Cheltenham who were in the play-offs last year, away from home, Southend who were relegated from League One, and Port Vale who were just outside the top seven, so we’ve done exceptionally well to beat all these teams.”