Elliot Newby scored a superb opener as Morecambe cruised to a 3-0 victory over Brackley Town at the Halo Aerospace Stadium. The win lifts the Shrimps to 10th in the National League North, with 13 points from their opening nine games.
Newby broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, firing home from 20 yards after a period of sustained pressure. The second goal arrived just two minutes after the restart when a Will Smith cross was turned into his own net by Brackley defender Josh Tomlinson.
Smith then got on the scoresheet himself six minutes later, heading home a pinpoint Jake Cain free-kick at the back post to seal the three points.
Morecambe controlled much of the contest, with Teddy Collis and Ben Williams providing width. Brackley's best chance fell to DJ Sturridge in the 18th minute, but a heavy touch allowed the opportunity to slip away. Charlie Cooper fired wide late on for the visitors, while Matty Daly and substitute Isaac Buckley-Ricketts went close to adding a fourth for the hosts.
Three Morecambe players received yellow cards during the match: Joe Baines in the 17th minute, JJ Lewis in the 56th, and Joe Garner in the 62nd. Brackley's Ben Williams and Josh Tomlinson were also booked.
The victory provides a solid platform ahead of the next league assignment, a trip to face 16th-placed Chorley on Boxing Day.
This story first appeared at morecambefc.com
Manager Adam Lakeland said Morecambe's 3-0 win over Brackley Town on September 12 was their most complete performance of the season. He told reporters his side controlled the entire match and capitalised on their chances. The victory, with goals from Elliot Newby and Will Smith plus an own goal, means Morecambe have taken 12 points from their last five games. They are 10th in the National League North with 13 points from nine matches.
