Morecambe manager demands a better display against Newcastle United

The Shrimps welcome Steve Bruce’s side to the Mazuma Stadium for the third round tie.

It is the first time Morecambe have reached this stage since their maiden Football League campaign in 2007/08, with a trip to Newport County AFC on offer to the winners.

They go into the game, however, on the back of a 5-0 home loss to Cambridge United last Saturday; a day when nothing went right for the Shrimps.

Speaking after that match, Adams said: “We have to do a lot better than we did today.

“There are a number of players that have said they were responsible for the goals and we respect their honesty for that.”

Tonight’s game will be the second time the two sides have met in the competition after Newcastle’s 2-0 victory at the Globe Arena in August 2013.

While relishing the prospect of meeting Premier League opposition, there is disappointment from the Morecambe perspective that tonight's tie will be behind closed doors.

More than 5,000 fans watched the game between the two clubs seven years ago and a similar attendance this evening would have been an added financial boost.

However, given the return of supporters to stadiums is now on hold because of a spike in Covid-19 cases, everyone is trying to make the best of the situation.

“Financially it would have been excellent for the football club,” Adams said.

“We would have been able to get a full house here but, unfortunately, we aren’t at a stage where we can get supporters back into the stadiums.

“For the players and the staff, we are thoroughly looking forward to them coming to town.”