Morecambe crashed out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 defeat to eighth-tier AFC Rushden & Diamonds in the final qualifying round on Saturday. The loss extends the Shrimps' losing run to two matches and halts their cup progress at the hands of a side from the Northern Premier League Midlands Division.
James Clifton opened the scoring for the hosts in the 20th minute, capitalising on a long throw. The lead was doubled just three minutes later when Matt Warburton curled a 30-yard free-kick beyond Myles Boney. Morecambe improved after the break and pulled a goal back five minutes into the second half, with Joe Garner heading home a cross from Ruben Curley.
Missed opportunities
Adam Lakeland's side created several chances to level the tie. Isaac Buckley-Ricketts saw a one-on-one saved by goalkeeper Charlie Woods in the 12th minute, and Cameron Coxe hit the post shortly after. Substitute Taelor O’Kane had a late header saved as the non-league side held on for a historic win. The victory sends AFC Rushden & Diamonds, a club founded in 2011, into the FA Cup first round proper for the first time in their history.
Manager Adam Lakeland gave his reaction after the final whistle. "Here’s the reaction of the manager after the Shrimps crashed out of the FA Cup at AFC Rushden & Diamonds," he said.
The cup exit compounds a difficult period for Morecambe, who sit 19th in the National League - North with 14 points from 11 games, having recorded four wins and two draws so far this season. They have scored 15 goals and conceded 11, leaving them with a goal difference of plus four but a significant ten points behind the league leaders. Their recent league form reads two wins, one draw and two losses from their last five outings, including a 2-1 defeat at Worksop Town last weekend and a 3-0 victory over Darlington 1883 on 3 October. They now turn their focus to a key league fixture away to 15th-placed Merthyr Town next Saturday 24 October.
This story first appeared at beyond.radio
Manager Adam Lakeland reflected on Morecambe's FA Cup exit on Monday, October 19. The Shrimps lost 2-1 to eighth-tier AFC Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday, making it two consecutive defeats. Lakeland said, "We have to take it on the chin and move on quickly." The club, 19th in the National League - North with 14 points, now prepares for a league fixture away to Merthyr Town on October 24.
On Monday, manager Adam Lakeland apologised to the travelling fans for Saturday's FA Cup exit. He said, "I am incredibly frustrated. I'm saying the same things and getting the same outcomes." The 2-1 loss to AFC Rushden & Diamonds was Morecambe's second consecutive defeat. The club, 19th in the National League - North with 14 points, next plays away to Merthyr Town.
Morecambe manager Adam Lakeland apologised to the club's supporters on Monday. I'm saying the same things and getting the same outcomes." The Shrimps, who sit 19th in the National League - North, have now lost their last two matches.
Manager Adam Lakeland said his side's poor away form must change after a fifth defeat in seven games on the road. He told reporters, "Something has to give or we will continue to struggle to get results away from home." The Shrimps, 19th in the National League - North with 14 points, visit Merthyr Town next.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds, who eliminated Morecambe from the FA Cup, have been drawn away to League One side Burton Albion in the first round. The draw was made on 20 October. The eighth-tier club's chairman, Rob Usher, said: "Let's go put Diamonds back on the map." The tie will be played at the Pirelli Stadium on 7 November. Morecambe, 19th in the National League - North, now prepare for their next league fixture.
Manager Adam Lakeland apologised to the 350 travelling Morecambe fans after Saturday's FA Cup exit. He told the club's media, "I want to apologise to our supporters who have travelled." Lakeland also hinted at self-doubt, stating, "I am saying the same things, and getting the same outcome, so maybe I am the problem." The Shrimps, 19th in the National League - North with 14 points, have now lost their last two matches.
The attendance for Morecambe's FA Cup defeat at AFC Rushden & Diamonds was 1,875, the club confirmed. The sell-out crowd saw the eighth-tier side progress. Morecambe, 19th in the National League - North with 14 points, have now lost their last two matches.
Morecambe have confirmed captain Will Smith will be out for five months after undergoing knee surgery. The club stated the defender required the operation. Midfielder Matty Daly, who scored in the 2-1 defeat to Worksop Town, said the squad respects every opponent. Morecambe, 19th in the National League - North with 14 points, next play away to Merthyr Town.
