Morecambe visit Highbury on Tuesday 2nd September, 7.45pm kick-off
Neighbours Morecambe travel to Highbury Stadium on Tuesday evening in the first round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.Graham Alexander’s side narrowly lost out to Chesterfield over two legs in this very competition last term, bowing out 3-2 on aggregate, despite defeating the Spireites at the Proact Stadium.
The Shrimps, on the other hand, bowed out on penalties to Carlisle United at this stage 12 months ago, and will look to improve on that against the Cod Army.
Both sides have enjoyed tremendous starts to their respective league campaigns however, with Morecambe catching the eye during the early stages.
Jim Bentley’s men currently sit third in League Two after recording impressive victories against the likes of Dagenham & Redbridge, Newport County, Oxford United and Cambridge.
Last season, the Cod Army tasted defeat away to the Shrimps, falling to a 1-0 reverse on Boxing Day, before playing out a 2-2 draw at Highbury back in April.
Graham Alexander has confirmed he is able to make changes for the game against Bentley's men with first team players starting to come back into the picture after a spell on the sidelines.
The management team were handed a boost at the weekend with the return of Mark Roberts and Stephen Dobbie to the substitute bench.
Dobbie, who netted the equaliser to rescue a point for the Cod Army, had been out for the three weeks having picked up an injury against Crewe Alexandra on the opening day.
Keith Southern, although back in light training, will be unavailable, while Jamille Matt remains a long term absentee for Town.
Ryan Cresswell has left the Club to join Northampton Town.
Adult tickets for the game will be just £10 per person in all areas of the ground. Concessions (over 65s and U18s) are £5 whilst U16s can get in for just £1.
Tickets are on sale for the game at the ticket office, by calling 01253 775080 or by visiting www.highburystore.com.
Jim's Sports Bar will be open before and after the tie, with visiting supporters welcome, while the Red and Whites Café Bar will also be open for anyone wishing to buy food.
Jack Redshaw, a former Manchester City youngster, has wowed Shrimps supporters in recent seasons to become one of the most feared attackers in the Football League.
Redshaw joined Morecambe from Altrincham in January 2012, and went on to become the club’s top goal scorer in 2012-13.
Last season was another successful one for Redshaw as he scored eight goals in 29 appearances to help Morecambe maintain their league status.
And welcome news for Shrimps supporters recently was that Redshaw opted against leaving the club to sign for League One leaders Peterborough
The 23 year-old decided to stay with Morecambe for personal reasons despite going through a medical, and it’s a decision that will have no doubt pleased the Globe Arena faithful immensely.
Christopher Sarginson will be the man in the middle for Tuesday night’s Lancashire derby.
The whistle blower has taken charge of four games so far this season, and has brandished nine yellows and one red.
Sarginson officiated two Fleetwood fixtures last season, a 2-0 August win at Plymouth and a 1-1 draw at home to Southend United in April.
Fleetwood Town - 7/10
Draw - 13/5
Morecambe - 7/2
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