Match Preview - Rovers v Morecambe

2 September 2022

Back in League One action!

The Gas are back at The Mem this weekend as we welcome Morecambe to BS7!

Joey Barton added to his squad on Transfer Deadline Day by bringing in Sylvester Jasper from Fulham, Josh Coburn from Middlesbrough and Bobby Thomas from Burnley as Rovers look to kick on in League One. Below is all the info you need ahead of Saturday's clash at The Mem.

Manager's Preview

Opposition View

Ahead of his side's visit to the Memorial Stadium, Derek Adams spoke to morecambefc.com and has called for his Shrimps players to be more clinical in front of goal.

“We created 17 chances last week against MK Dons, MK Dons did exactly the same against us, but they were more clinical on the day, we just have to be better in front of goal.

“They were great finishes, Grigg’s two finishes we probably could have defended better with the movement."

The Shrimps also added to their squad on Deadline Day with the loan signing of Liam Shaw from Scottish champions Celtic.

Last Time Out

Form Guide

Morecambe are winless in League One so far this season. In their opening six games, they have drawn three and lost three with their most recent result in the league being a 4-0 away defeat at the hands of MK Dons. Morecambe have also found goals hard to come by so far this season, having only scored twice in League One. Morecambe were victorious against Everton U21s in the Papa Johns Trophy earlier this week, a result which could instill some much-needed confidence within their ranks.

The only players to have found the back of the net for the Shrimps in League One this season are Arthur Gnahoua, who opened his account in League One this season in Morecambe's 1-1 draw against Fleetwood in August, and Jensen Weir, who scored against Oxford United in a 1-1 draw.

Arthur Gnahoua celebrates scoring for Morecambe against Fleetwood. Pic: Phil Oldham/Shutterstock.

Ref Watch

Dean Whitestone has been placed in charge of Saturday's clash at The Mem. This season, Whitestone has officiated one game in League One; Morecambe's 3-0 defeat against Peterborough United. Referee Whitestone has also taken charge of three games in the Championship this season. Whitestone last officiated a game involving Rovers in our 1-0 victory against Salford City last season.

Betting Preview

EFL sponsors Sky Bet have priced Rovers at 19/20 for the win on Saturday afternoon. Rovers can also be backed at 16/1 to win the game 3-0. On the goalscorer markets, new signing Sylvester Jasper is priced at 17/2 to open the scoring, whilst Luke McCormick can be backed at 9/2 to score at any time throughout the clash.

Odds correct at the time of writing. To bet with Sky Bet please click HERE. Please bet responsibly.

How to Follow

Supporters based in the UK can purchase an audio match pass for £2.50. To find out more about iFollow, please click HERE.

Match Reports

Match Report - Rovers 2-2 Morecambe

A score draw at The Mem.

3 September 2022

Rovers have to settle for a point in BS7.

Goals from Ryan Loft and Bobby Thomas were not enough to claim all three points for the Gas against a frustrating Morecambe side.

Deadline day signing Bobby Thomas was named in the starting line-up for Rovers for the game with Morecambe. Fellow new boy Sylvester Jasper was named among the substitutes, alongside Luke McCormick and the returning Trevor Clarke.

For Morecambe, Lewis Gibson's brother Liam Gibson started, but there was no family reunion on the pitch as the Gas centre-half missed out after picking up a knock in last week's 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury.

The Gas started the game brightly, Collins' let fly from 25 yards. Ripley was beaten but the ball cannoned into the post and away. 30 seconds later, Collins looked like he was fouled by Morecambe 'keeper Ripley but the referee disagreed.

But it was the visitors who hit first. The ball fell at the feet of Jensen Weir following a Morecambe corner kick. The midfielder let fly from the edge of the box and saw his effort fly into the top corner of Belshaw's goal to put the Shrimps one up.

Rovers looked to respond to the setback. Neat play from Sam Finley set Aaron Collins away who did well to work his way into the Morecambe penalty area. Forced to take on the shot from a tight angle, Aaron was unfortunate to see his effort drag agonisingly wide of the target.

Rovers found the equaliser just before the half-hour mark. An inswinging cross from Aaron Collins evaded the Morecambe defenders in the box and fell to Ryan Loft who turned the ball home from close range for his second league goal this season.

Collins came within inches of adding a second for the Gas after Ripley had parried the forwards initial effort back out to the Rovers No.10. Aaron did well to dig out another shot which was crucially deflected wide by Rawson in the Morecambe back line.

Morecambe retook the lead shortly after the restart. Kieran Phillips made no mistake with his finish and rolled the ball past Belshaw and Rovers would have to respond again.

They very nearly did when a Luca Hoole cross was sent goalwards by Jacob Bedeau forcing Ripley into a smart save to maintain the Shrimp's slender lead. Joey Barton then rolled the dice with 20 minutes left to play. Sending on Harry Anderson, Trevor Clarke and Sylvester Jasper for his Gas debut.

Rovers did find the equaliser 10 minutes from full time. A corner sent in by Antony Evans wasn't dealt with by the Morecambe defenders and Bobby Thomas reacted first to score on his Rovers debut.

There was to be no late dramatics in the tie and Rovers had to settle for a point. Next up for the Gas is the trip to MK Dons on Saturday, 10th September (3pm KO).

ROVERS: Belshaw, Gordon, Kilgour, Finley, Marquis, Collins, Coutts (c), Loft, Evans, Hoole, Thomas.

Subs: Jaakkola, Whelan, Saunders, Clarke, Jasper, McCormick, Anderson.

MORECAMBE: Ripley, Love, Gibson, Rawson, Taylor, Fane, Weir, Bedeau, Watts, Shaw, Phillips.

Subs: Smith, Connolly, McLoughlin, Cooney, O'Connor, Mayor, Rooney.

Referee: Dean Whitestone

Attendance: 8,821 (200 away)