Morecambe players earn manager's praise following Walsall draw

Carlos Mendes-Gomes’ eighth goal of the season with 10 minutes remaining cancelled out Josh Gordon’s first-half goal for the visitors.

Although Adams’ red card for his protestations following a penalty appeal that went unrewarded proved the main talking point, he was happy to shift the spotlight onto his players.

Mendes-Gomes’ header extended their unbeaten home run to nine matches and lifted them up a place into eighth in League Two.

Adams said: “It’s really good getting to that 35-point mark.

“We’ve got a couple of games in hand on the teams above, from that point of view it’s been a good night for us.

“They keep on going, they have a terrific attitude and they believe they can win every game.

“We probably had enough opportunities in the second half to do that.”

Strong winds and heavy rain as a result of Storm Christoph ensured the match at the Mazuma Stadium was a battle.

Both sides had opportunities to add to their tally, the visitors seeing Gordon head straight at Morecambe keeper Mark Halstead, Adam Phillips clear Zak Jules’ effort off the line and Elijah Adebayo sidefoot wide when played through.

At the other end, Walsall keeper Liam Roberts denied Cole Stockton, Aaron Wildig and Mendes-Gomes, while Sam Lavelle also missed a presentable opportunity.

“It was a difficult night for both teams - heavy rain, swirling winds and difficult underfoot,” Adams said.

“I think both teams tried to get the ball down and play and, first half, we had a good bit of play in the game.

“We probably didn’t open up Walsall enough, then they got a goal - probably against the run of play.

“On a night like tonight it was always going to be difficult but, second half, we were very good.

“We got the ball forward, we got into really good areas and we were unfortunate not to have scored more goals.

“We scored a fabulous goal, a good ball in from Ryan Cooney, a great header from Carlos and we dominated the second half.

“He did well to get on the end of it. It was a great ball in but he had to get across his marker and head it into the corner - and it was a fabulous goal.

“They do have a chance and probably should score with it but we had three or four chances in the second half that we feel we should have scored with as well.”

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 per month for the first two months. Try us today by clicking here