Courtesy: Sky Sports
Morecambe will play in the Football League’s third division for the first time after Carlos Mendes Gome’s disputed penalty pushed them to League One at the expense of Newport County.
Neither team was able to strike the back of the net during the normal time, but the deadlock was eventually broken by Carlos Mendes Gome’s penalty in the second half of extra time. The Spaniard sent goalkeeper Tom King the wrong way after referee Bobby Madley had pointed to the spot when John O’Sullivan was brought down by Ryan Haynes. However, the contact appeared to be outside the area. In the absence of VAR, however, the decision stood.
The Shrimps kept their perfect record at Wembley, having won their only two previous appearances there – a conference play-off final against Exeter in 2007 and the FA Trophy final in 1974. It was also Derek Adams’ second promotion from the fourth division, after leading Plymouth out of League Two in 2016-17.
The Shrimps were in the relegation zone in League Two when Derek Adams took over in November 2019, with Morecambe’s season an undoubted success regardless of the outcome at Wembley. Morecambe’s dream has become a reality after reaching new heights.
Post-match Morecambe manager Derek Adams said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to come to Wembley and win. It’s probably the best way to win a promotion.”
“Everyone would like to win automatic but to come to the national stadium to do it in the manner we’ve done today, the team spirit, the camaraderie it’s a fantastic achievement for Morecambe.”
“It was a difficult game today. For us to get the penalty kick and then for Carlos to take it so well is fantastic for everyone in Lancashire and Morecambe.”