George Bennett analysis: Late blow floors Walsall on gloomy day up north
Bring me sunshine rang around the Mazuma Stadium before kick-off but there was no sign of blue skies on a gloomy grey Saturday afternoon in Lancashire.
The rainy conditions did little to dampen the supporters’ spirits as an impressive 1,300 Saddlers fans packed out the away section.
But Walsall struggled to match the electricity of the crowd in the opening exchanges and found themselves unable to deal with Morecambe’s speed on the counter-attack.
Tom Bloxham and Adam Mayor proved particularly dangerous out wide, while JJ McKiernan served as the Shrimps chief creator.
The trio played a defining role in the opening goal when 18-year-old Mayor slotted a confident finish under Owen Evans.
Bloxham cushioned down Donald Love’s throw-in down the right and knocked the ball inside to McKiernan. He opened up the pitch by finding Eli King in space and the Cardiff City loanee fed Mayor at the far post for the teenager to deliver the deadlock-breaking strike in the 24th minute.
Morecambe had a chance prior to taking the lead when Bloxham stung the palms of Evans from range.
Walsall overcame a chaotic first 30 minutes and finally began to impose themselves on the game.
Joe Riley surged inside with a couple of driving runs and Ryan Stirk began to orchestrate the play in the centre of the park.
