Morecambe squad can call upon promotion-winning knowhow

Derek Adams believes the experience a number of his Morecambe squad possesses could be key in helping them try and push for promotion this season.
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The Shrimps are due to be back in action this evening against Walsall at the Mazuma Stadium (7pm), looking to bounce back from their 2-0 loss at Leyton Orient last weekend.

Two late goals saw the Shrimps beaten in their first league outing for three weeks as a result of positive Covid-19 tests and the FA Cup trip to Chelsea.

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Defeat might have seen them drop to ninth in the League Two table but they are only two points adrift of the play-off places and a further three behind the automatic promotion spots.

Yann Songo'o is one of the previous promotion winners on Morecambe's booksYann Songo'o is one of the previous promotion winners on Morecambe's books
Yann Songo'o is one of the previous promotion winners on Morecambe's books

Not only is it a change for supporters to be looking up the league table rather than over their shoulders, it’s also something different for some of the playing squad Adams inherited.

Though they are used to playing under pressure, it has been the sort which comes from scrapping for survival at the wrong end of the division.

As a result, a promotion challenge might be something new but at least they have a number of team-mates to call upon for inspiration.

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Kelvin Mellor, A-Jay Leitch-Smith, Jordan Slew, Yann Songo’o, Harry Davis and Toumani Diagouraga are among those to have won promotion.

“We have a few players in that category,” Adams acknowledged.

“We have changed the squad around in the last two transfer windows and we have brought in players who are hungry to do well.

“It’s important to have players in your squad who have been there, done it, and know what it takes to be successful.

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“We have players who have done that in League Two and Toumani Diagouraga has done it with Brentford, getting promoted into the Championship, so he’s got that experience as well.”

The hope from the Morecambe camp is that they can learn the lessons of their defeat at Leyton Orient.

Missed chances were costly for the Shrimps, who conceded two late goals for a first defeat in five league matches.

“We passed the ball well when we could, when we won the ball back when Leyton Orient gave it away,” Adams said.

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“We just didn’t take that opportunity when it came along and that’s the reason we’re walking away without the three points – because we haven’t taken the opportunities when they have come along.”

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