Morecambe produced a stirring comeback to defeat Nottingham Forest U21 4-2 in a lively match at the Mazuma Stadium. A game full of drama, stunning goals, and late action saw Morecambe recover from a first-half deficit to secure all three points.
First Half: Finley Back Fires Forest Ahead
The match started with both teams trading possession, with Nottingham Forest U21 looking lively from the off. In the 10th minute, Joe Gardner had a chance to put Forest ahead, but his effort was saved by Harry Burgoyne. Moments later, Morecambe’s Ben Tollitt tested Forest’s goalkeeper, Jack Thompson, but his shot flew wide of the mark.
Nottingham Forest U21 broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute through Finley Back. After some neat interplay with Jimmy Sinclair, Back found himself on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that rocketed into the top of the net, giving Forest an early 1-0 lead.
Morecambe, shaken by the goal, attempted to hit back quickly. However, their efforts were stifled by a well-organised Forest defence. The Shrimps’ best chance of the half came in the 42nd minute, when Ben Tollitt restored parity. After some great work on the left wing by Hallam Hope, Tollitt took advantage of the space afforded to him outside the box and fired a low shot into the bottom right corner, levelling the score just before half-time.
Second Half: An Own Goal and a Stunning Comeback
The second half began with drama right from the off. Nottingham Forest U21 regained the lead in the 50th minute through an unfortunate own goal by Morecambe’s Paul Lewis. A cross whipped into the box caused confusion, and in an attempt to clear the danger, Lewis inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, putting Forest 2-1 up.
Morecambe didn’t let the setback deter them, though, and they pushed for another equaliser. In the 67th minute, Charlie Brown got his name on the scoresheet for the Shrimps. A brilliant cross from Adam Lewis was met by Brown, who headed the ball confidently into the bottom corner to level things at 2-2. The goal reignited the home side, who continued to pile on the pressure.
Just 11 minutes later, Morecambe found themselves ahead for the first time in the match. Hallam Hope, who had been a constant thorn in Forest’s defence, struck in the 78th minute. After a blocked attempt earlier in the match, Hope was determined not to miss again. Assisted by Callum Jones, Hope curled a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner, sending the home fans into raptures.
Late Drama: Ben Tollitt Seals the Win
With the momentum firmly in their favour, Morecambe looked to put the game beyond doubt. Their persistence paid off in the 87th minute when Ben Tollitt netted his second of the evening. After a set-piece situation, Tollitt latched onto the ball just outside the box and unleashed a powerful right-footed strike into the bottom left corner, securing a 4-2 lead.
Forest, now chasing the game, tried to mount a response, but Morecambe’s defence held firm. The final moments of the game saw a flurry of action, including a booking for Yann Songo’o in the 91st minute for a rash challenge, and a late header from Jamie Stott that was blocked in stoppage time.
Despite Forest’s late efforts, Morecambe’s defence stood tall, and the referee blew the final whistle after six minutes of added time, signalling a 4-2 victory for the Shrimps.
Writer’s View
This win marks an important victory for Morecambe, who displayed resilience and attacking intent throughout the match. After falling behind twice, they showed character to fight back and ultimately overpower Nottingham Forest U21 with a clinical display of finishing.
Ben Tollitt was the standout performer, with his two goals and an assist proving crucial in the comeback. Hallam Hope also impressed, causing Forest’s defence problems throughout the game and grabbing a deserved goal.
For Nottingham Forest U21, it was a game of missed opportunities. They started well, taking the lead twice, but defensive frailties and an inability to contain Morecambe’s attacking threats ultimately cost them. While Finley Back’s goal was a highlight, Forest will rue the moments where they lost control of the game.
In the end, Morecambe’s experience and quality in key moments proved the difference, as they secured a thrilling 4-2 victory at the Mazuma Stadium.
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