[themaclad]

Morecambe 2 O'Connor Stockton PNE 4 Riis 2 Ledson, Van Den Berg

Morecambe line-up: Andresson; Cooney, Lavelle, O’Connor, Leigh; Duffus (Phillips, 80), Mcloughlin (McPake, 80), Diagouraga, McCalmost; Stockton, Gnahoua (McDonald, 76).

Subs not used: Roche, Jones, Mensah, Wootton.

PNE line-up: Rudd; van den Berg, Storey, Hughes; Rafferty (Bauer, 75), Johnson (Bayliss, 83), Potts, Ledson, Cunningham; Sinclair (Sinclair, 59), Riis.

Subs not used: Iversen, Leigh, Earl, Thomas.

Referee: Mr J Oldham (Replaced by assistant Paul Graham, 29)

Attendance: 4,334 (1,774 PNE fans)



Programme £3 interestingly it will also be the programme for Morecambe's game against Wednesday

GAME

For the first time since before lockdown this felt like a proper game although it took a Morecambe goal on the stroke of half time to set the wheels in motion on a slow burner of a first half.
North End had led by two goals although without playing well, early on the home side were nearly gifted an early goal Rudd only just managing to clear it from the on rushing Stockton, the home side had also had a couple of efforts on goal then lo and behold 1 up, through ball from Johnson hit Riis and landed well for him he strode forward and scored with ease past Andresson.
Home side hit back forcing a series of corners with Rudd saving well from Gnahoua at his enar post.
Mid way through teh half a substitution was made as Mr Oldham was injured and replaced by his senior linesman. North End added a second in comical circumstances Goalkeeper, defender and Riis went for same ball all three collided Riis got up first whilst the two home players stayed writhing on the ground, empty goal Riis 2 up

On the stroke of half time the home side got a free kick near the corner flag, Leigh's kick went over everyone and was met by O'Conner at the back post, should have been dealt with, game on

Second half was terrific entertainment, Rudd called into action saving well by the post, Potst and Johson put in efforts from outside the box the latter's being well saved, end to end stuff and the next goal went the home sides way as Stockton got teh better of Storey and buried the ball into the bottom corner
Feared the worst but we were back in front within 3 minutes Ledson with an absolute rocket from about 25 yards outside of the right foot top bins tremendous

Morecambe didn't give up however don't recall Rudd making a save, we sealed the game with about 10 minutes to go Cunningham got down the left we had men over and Van Den Berg scored in the right end this week to make it 4-2.Stockton head the ball in the net ruled out for offside
Some crunching tackles, flares and pitch invasions top stuff

So through to the next round, we seem to be working our way through the leagues playing sides beginning with M which means probably Millwall away next round

Morecambe manager Stephen Robinson:

"The performance was top-class and I don't think anyone would have known who was the Championship side and who was in League One but ultimately we conceded four goals and lost the game which is what matters.

"There were a lot of positives and we made them work hard but we are disappointed not to have won the game."

Preston North End manager Frankie McAvoy:

"It was a magnificent cup tie and every credit to Morecambe for pulling it back to 2-2. Our lads could have dropped their heads because when they got their second they were really putting us under pressure.

"But we stepped up and Ryan Ledson scored a magnificent goal to put us ahead again and then we worked a terrific fourth after a great move.

"Even then Morecambe kept coming. But we stood up to be counted and that was really pleasing."

Macs view

Although several players were not at their best this awkward tie was won, every credit to the home side for pushing us all the way, best game I've seen for a long while. Ledson's goal was outstanding, tougher tasks await but this was fun