Morecambe vs Newport: Shrimps to break new ground or Exiles to end 34-year wait?
Newport County v Forest Green Rovers Sky Bet League Two Playoff Semi Final First Leg Rodney Parde
The final Football League game of the season is upon us as Morecambe and Newport battle for a spot in League One.
When: Monday, May 31, 15:00 BST
How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event
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Throughout the 70s, 80s and early 90s, Morecambe were an established outfit in the Northern Premier League. In 1995, the team was promoted to the Conference Premier and in 2007, they won the play-offs to bag a place in League Two.
Since then, the club has managed to preserve its Football League status. However, over the past five years, Morecambe have come incredibly close to relegation.
Nevertheless, the team have enjoyed a complete turnaround under manager Derek Adams who is now just one game away from an unprecedented League One promotion.
Morecambe boss, Derek Adams
Newport, on the other hand, have been waiting 34 years to get back into the old third division.
The club have gone through many struggles since that relegation back in 1987. Having experienced bankruptcy, reformation and playing as low as the Hellenic League, it would be a momentous achievement for them to finally return to League One.
Last Three Matches
Morecambe 1-3 Newport (March 13, 2021)
Four goals, one red card and a tonne of drama.
The last meeting between Morecambe and Newport was a classic affair as the Welsh outfit secured a comprehensive victory.
Matthew Dolan converted an early penalty to put Newport ahead before Yann Songo'o strike levelled things up for the hosts.
The game changing moment took place in the 38th minute when Sam Lavelle received a red card for Morecambe.
This allowed Newport to bag all three points as goals from Josh Sheehan and Kevin Ellison sealed the victory.
Newport 2-1 Morecambe (December 5, 2020)
The Welsh outfit also had the better of their rivals when the two clubs met in the final days of 2020.
Once again, there were loads of goals, a penalty and a red card on what proved to be another action-packed affair.
Padraig Amond grabbed the opener in the 11th minute before Morecambe hit back with a goal from Carlos Mendes Gomes.
With ten minutes remaining, Stephen Hendrie was sent off for the visitors as Matthew Dolan converted a late penalty to win the game.
Newport 1-0 Morecambe (March 7, 2020)
No penalties or red cards on this occasion but that didn't stop Newport from getting another victory.
Dale Gorman scored the only goal of the game as the Welsh outfit ended their five-game winless run against Morecambe.
Last ten head-to-heads
Morecambe wins: 2
Draws: 4
Newport wins: 4
Morecambe goals: 10
Newport goals: 13
Newport have Morecambe's number
Newport will take a lot of confidence into this play-off final having won this fixture three times on the bounce.
Two of those three victories were somewhat influenced by red cards and penalties. But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter how you win, as long as you get the job done.
Newport captain Joss Labadie
Question is, will Newport build on confidence or will they succumb to complacency ahead of this encounter at Wembley?
Morecambe concede goals… a lot of goals
Morecambe came within a point of automatic promotion to League One - in the end, losing out to Bolton Wanderers.
That's some achievement considering this is a side that's conceded the most goals out of the 11 best teams in League Two this season.
Morecambe beat Tranmere to secure their spot in the play-off final
While they do concede a lot of goals, Morecambe aren't shy about scoring them either.
Only Cambridge United and Exeter scored more goals than Derek Adams' outfit.
Goalscorer Bet
Carlos Mendes Gomes bagged 15 goals in the regular season. The Spaniard was Morecambe's leading goalscorer in this campaign however his stock could rise even further in this play-off final.
The player is currently priced at 13/5 with Betfair to score anytime.
