League Two semi-final play-off second leg preview – Morecambe v Dagenham and Redbridge
It was fourteen years ago to the day that Mission Impossible hit our cinema screens, tonight Morecambe manager Sammy McIlroy will be looking to re-capture the essence of the smash-hit movie, as his side look to turn around a 6-0 deficit against Dagenham and Redbridge in the second leg of the League Two play-off.
Christie Park will host its final competitive game this evening before Morecambe move into their new Globe Arena this summer. The famous old stadium has been the home of Morecambe for 89 years, and what better way to send off its team by hosting the setting for a miracle? With Dagenham’ boss John Still's abysmal record in the playoffs, such a miracle could be on.
Still will be glad to have one foot in the final, having fallen short in his two previous play-off bids while Barnet boss - losing in the semi-finals to Colchester in 1998 and Peterborough in 2000. If he fails to get his team over the line tonight, then he may have to admit that the play-offs are a poisoned chalice.
Daggers strikers Josh Scot and Paul Benson benefited from a terrible defensive performance by Morecambe in the first leg, Scot bagged four and Benson, a brace. Both have shaken off slight knocks to renew their partnership tonight.
McIlroy is aware that his side is just playing for pride, but remains confident they can improve on their woeful first leg showing. "We have got to show a lot more commitment. I have not said that many times this season but on Sunday we were second-best all over the park.
"Some players didn't handle the situation well which was disappointing. They have been excellent all season but when it counts it was a step too far."
The bookmakers have priced up a Morecombe qualification at 350-1.
Still, Morecambe can believe in Mission Impossible.
Prediction – Morecambe 3 Dagenham & Redbridge 1
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