Morecambe boss Adams hails O’Sullivan strike as ‘one of the best goals I’ve ever seen’

Posted Sunday, December 22, 2019 by PA

Morecambe boss Derek Adams was delighted with the superb John O’Sullivan goal that earned him his first league win since taking over at the Shrimps.

Adams saw his side come from a goal behind to seal an important three points in a 2-1 home victory over Newport, with O’Sullivan’s winning goal the highlight of the afternoon.

He said: “We scored one of the best goals I’ve ever seen in my managerial or playing career. We passed it forward quickly and it was a fabulous finish. The way we moved the ball for the goal and the way we moved the ball about in the second half was very satisfying.

“It had everything you could want with first-time passes and third-man moves and it was a goal worthy of winning any game.

“We didn’t play very well in the first half and it was a pretty dull affair with both teams cancelling each other out, but we made two changes at the break and that changed the game.

“We didn’t fight enough in the first half or do the things we are good at, but we were much more direct in the second half and it paid off. We controlled the game and we were brave and it was a great win.”

Newport boss Michael Flynn was scathing about his side’s poor second-half display.

He said: “I’m massively disappointed. We should have had the game sewn up at half-time but the second-half performance was a disgrace.

“We could have been three goals up at half-time, but I knew the chances we missed in the first half would come back to haunt us. We got bullied off the park in the second half and not one of the players came out with any credit. They let themselves and the club down today.

“I think one or two of them are getting too comfortable and there will be changes in the January window. They will all be in Christmas Day now without a doubt.”

It all looked comfortable for the visitors, who went into the break ahead after an excellent 14th-minute goal from Joss Labadie – a curling shot that went in off the underside of the crossbar.

Jamille Matt missed a great chance and the Exiles dominated possession against a home side lacking in confidence.

But the second half was a totally different affair after Adams brought on Cole Stockton and Kevin Ellison.

A-Jay Leitch-Smith forced Nick Townsend into two fine saves before Stockton levelled on 68 minutes with a low shot on the turn to beat the goalkeeper low to his right.

That goal gave the home side a lift and they sealed their fourth league win of the season through O’Sullivan, who ended a superb move that started deep in Morecambe’s half with a fine finish from the edge of the box.