Morecambe manager takes the positives from Mansfield Town draw

Cole Stockton created Morecambe's goal and could have scored one himself during the second half

Morecambe boss Derek Adams wasn’t too downbeat after watching his side draw 1-1 with Mansfield Town on Tuesday night.

Having lost 4-0 at Crawley Town last time out, the Shrimps had the ideal start with Adam Phillips giving them a third minute lead at the Mazuma Stadium.

However, Harry Charsley flicked home an equaliser for Mansfield, who had started the night second from bottom in League Two.

“From a football point of view it was a very good game," Adams said afterwards.

“Mansfield are a good side. I watched them on Saturday against Bradford and I thought they did very well. From our point of view, we were at it tonight.

“I thought it was a very good game. I think we started the game very well.

“We got into good areas and we got a quick goal; a ball up the side, John O’Sullivan flicks it on for Cole Stockton, who puts a lovely ball into the box for Adam Phillips to make a late run and score.

“I think we kept on going. Unfortunately for us, Mansfield got a goal back not long after that.

“It was a game that went to and fro. I thought the first half was very good, it was even in the second half.

“We were the better side. We created a lot of good openings, especially down their left-hand side, and didn’t find the final pass.

“Their player (Stephen McLaughlin) should have been sent off for a karate kick on John O’Sullivan and we should have had a penalty against Cole Stockton.

“That’s two games in a row that the decisions haven’t gone with us so we’re very hopeful the next ones do.”

Both sides had chances to add to their tally with Stockton putting one cross just too far ahead of Aaron Wildig before seeing a second-half header brilliantly saved by Mansfield keeper Marek Stech.

Phillips also had a chance to score a second on the night, sending a first-time effort narrowly over the bar.

At the other end, Mansfield defender Farrend Rawson saw a late header ruled out for a push.

Adams said: “He (Phillips) picks up good areas and he probably could have got a few tonight.

“In the second half, he put one over the bar when he probably just had to hit the target and it was in.

“Their goalkeeper made an outstanding save from Cole Stockton, so from that point of view, I think it was a good spectacle for League Two; two good teams going at each other.”