author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Signing off!

That's all we have time for here on Vavel!

Thank you for joining us for today's coverage of the League Two play-off final between Morecame and Newport County.

Congratulation to the Shrimps on reaching League One for the first time.

Commiserations to Newport, who will be feeling massively hard done by.

See you next time!

31 May 2021 6:08 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

The winning goal!

 

31 May 2021 5:45 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

FULL-TIME: MORECAMBE 1-0 NEWPORT COUNTY!

The whistle goes and Morecambe are promoted to League One! Mendes Gomes' penalty in extra-time is enough.

They will play in the third tier for the first time in their 101-year history!

31 May 2021 5:38 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

120+2 King forward

Newport keeper Tom King came forward for a late corner. The ball was going towards him but was headed away just in time.

Morecambe nearly there.

31 May 2021 5:36 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Three minutes left added time!

Morecambe now just three minutes away from promotion to League One!

31 May 2021 5:34 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

120' Chance for Ellison!

Demetriou sends a long throw into the Morecambe box and the ball lands at Ellison, but he's unable to sort his feet out and can't get a shot away.

31 May 2021 5:33 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

114' Morecambe substitution

Morecambe's goalscorer Mendes Gomes is replaced by Alex Kenyon.

31 May 2021 5:27 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

112' O'Sullivan and Mendes Gomes booked

Morecambe's John O'Sullivan is shown a yellow card, as was Mendes Gomes for his celebration after scoring the penalty.

31 May 2021 5:26 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

111' Final Newport change

Newport make their final change of the afternoon as Ryan Haynes is replaced by Priestley Farquharson.

31 May 2021 5:25 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Controversy!

Definitely a lot of controversy around the awarding of the penalty.

Not only is it debatable whether it was a foul by Haynes, the contact appeared to begin outside the box!

31 May 2021 5:22 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

107' GOAL FOR MORECAMBE!

Morecambe take the lead in extra-time!

Mendes Gomes stepped up and sent King the wrong way.

31 May 2021 5:21 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

106' PENALTY FOR MORECAMBE!

Morecambe are awarded a penalty as O'Sullivan goes down under Haynes' challenge!

31 May 2021 5:19 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Morecambe substitution

Morecambe make another change for the second half of extra-time as Kelvin Mellor replaces Liam Gibson.

31 May 2021 5:18 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Half-time in extra-time: Morecambe 0-0 Newport County

Labadie's chance by far the best of the game as we still have nothing between the sides going into the second half of extra-time.

15 minutes away from a penalty shootout unless there's a winner.

31 May 2021 5:17 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

104' Big chance for Newport!

Newport miss a huge chance to go ahead!

Maynard plays the ball across goal and it comes to Labadie, who pokes over from close range!

Massive let off for Morecambe.

31 May 2021 5:14 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

96' Labadie booked

Newport captain Joss Labadie is shown the first yellow card for a foul on Yann Songo'o.

31 May 2021 5:06 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

92' Stockton heads wide

Morecambe have the first chance of extra-time as the ball comes into the box and finds Stockton, who heads wide.

Wasn't an easy chance for the striker.

31 May 2021 5:02 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Extra-time underway!

Morecambe get us back underway here for extra-time!

31 May 2021 5:00 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Morecambe substitution

Morecambe make their second change going into extra-time as John O'Sullivan replaces Aaron Wildig.

31 May 2021 4:59 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Full-time: Morecambe 0-0 Newport County

Still nothing to separate the sides after normal time so we are in for another 30 minutes at Wembley.

Will there be an extra-time hero?

31 May 2021 4:56 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

90+3 Haynes free-kick tests Letheren!

Newport win another free-kick and this time it's taken by Ryan Haynes. 

It bounces awkwardly in front of Letheren but the Morecambe goalkeeper was there again to keep his side level!

31 May 2021 4:53 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Five minutes added time!

We are into five minutes of added time here at Wembley!

Extra-time on the way unless someone can make themselves a hero.

31 May 2021 4:50 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

90' Sheehan lashes over

Newport are controversially awarded a free-kick which is played short to Josh Sheehan, who lashes over from distance.

31 May 2021 4:49 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

86' Kevin Ellison is on!

Newport make their fourth change and it's the moment people have waited for!

Former Morecambe man Kevin Ellison replaces Lewis Collins.

31 May 2021 4:45 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

83' Lavelle heads wide

Morecambe get a corner and it's sent in by Aaron Wildig. It comes to captain Sam Lavelle, whose header goes wide.

31 May 2021 4:43 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

79' Newport substitution

A third change for Newport as their semi-final hero Nicky Maynard replaces Padraig Amond.

31 May 2021 4:39 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

78' Shephard denied by Letheren

Newport continue to have the better moments as this time Liam Shephard has an effort from distance.

It's heading into the far corner but Letheren makes a good save.

31 May 2021 4:38 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

75' Morecambe substitution

Morecambe make their first change as Liam McAlinden is replaced by Brad Lyons.

31 May 2021 4:34 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

68' Another drinks break

We have another break in play as the players take their second drinks break of the afternoon.

 

31 May 2021 4:28 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

66' King denies Cooney

Morecambe's Ryan Cooney strikes from outside the box and it's an awkward one for King, but the Newport shot-stopper is able to keep it out.

31 May 2021 4:26 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

62' Double change for Newport

Newport make the first substitutions of the game. 

Aaron Lewis makes way for Ryan Taylor, while Matt Dolan is replaced by Anthony Hartigan.

31 May 2021 4:21 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

60' Sheehan shoots from distance

We have a shot! 

In this cagey second-half Newport's Josh Sheehan decides to have a go from distance. It's comfortably held though by Letheren.

31 May 2021 4:19 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

57' Quiet start to second-half

Not many openings for either side at the start of the second half. 

Will we see some substitutions soon as the wait for a goal goes on?

31 May 2021 4:15 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

48' Stockton clears and Collins shot blocked

Newport win a corner and it's played short towards Amond, but Stockton is there to clear.  Lewis Collins then has a go which is deflected off Lavelle and into the arms of Letheren.

31 May 2021 4:08 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

46' Second-half underway!

We are back underway at Wembley as Morecambe get the second half going!

31 May 2021 4:04 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Half-time: Morecambe 0-0 Newport County

Nothing to separate the sides at half-time.

Newport have come the closest and were perhaps unfortunate to not be awarded a penalty.

Still all to play for in the second half!

31 May 2021 3:51 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

45+1 Bennett comes close!

Newport look for the opener just before half-time as Bennett has a go from the edge of the box, but Yann Songo'o does well to block it and the ball hits the side netting.

31 May 2021 3:48 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Three minutes of added time

The first half coming to a close at Wembley as three extra minutes are added on!

31 May 2021 3:46 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

42' Gibson denied!

Mendes Gomes finds Liam Gibson, whose shot from inside the box is blocked by Liam Shephard!

Would have been some effort to find the net as plenty of Newport men were behind the ball.

31 May 2021 3:43 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Mbulu remembered

Applause from both sets of fans and players for former Morecambe man Christian Mbulu, who sadly passed away just over a year ago.

31 May 2021 3:37 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

31' Amond shot blocked

Newport come forward and the ball reaches former Morecambe man Padraig Amond. He gets a shot away but it's blocked out for a corner.

31 May 2021 3:32 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

29' King beats Stockton to the ball!

A long ball comes into the Newport box and heads towards Stockton, but King does well to clear the ball out for a Morecambe corner.

31 May 2021 3:30 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

25' Drinks break

A break in play as the players take a drinks break. 26 degrees at Wembley so a sensible idea!

31 May 2021 3:26 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

End to end action

No goals to report so far but an exciting contest at Wembley.

End to end action with both sides pushing for the opener.

31 May 2021 3:24 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

15' Stockton denied by his own player!

McAlinden delivers a cross and finds the head of Stockton, who directs it goalwards but it's blocked by his own man in Mendes Gomes!

31 May 2021 3:18 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

12' Newport come close!

Mickey Demetriou delivers another long throw into the box and finds the head of Scot Bennett, but it's just off target! 

Newport also denied a penalty as Letheren appeared to have caught Bennett.

31 May 2021 3:13 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

7' Long throw dealt with

Newport now have a chance to test Kyle Letheren as a long throw comes into the box from Mickey Demetriou. 

The ball is comfortably gathered by the Shrimps' keeper.

31 May 2021 3:08 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

4' Tom King out quickly

Morecambe push forward again and the ball goes towards Liam McAlinden, but Tom King is first to it and clears the danger.

31 May 2021 3:05 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

2' Mendes Gomes tries his luck

Morecambe win an early free-kick after a foul on Carlos Mendes Gomes. The ball is played short to the winger and he has an effort but it's wide of goal.

31 May 2021 3:03 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

1' We're underway!

Newport get us underway for the 2021 League Two play-off final!

31 May 2021 3:00 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

The teams are out

Both sides are out on the Wembley pitch as we observe the English and Welsh national anthems!

Kick-off coming shortly!

31 May 2021 2:55 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Let's hope it lives up to the expectations!

 

31 May 2021 2:41 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

30 minutes until kick-off!

Kick-off is now fast approaching at Wembley for today's League Two play-off final between Morecambe and Newport!

Who will be victorious and gain a place in League One next season?

You will find out right here on Vavel!

31 May 2021 2:30 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Teams are out for their warm-ups!

 

31 May 2021 2:23 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

One change for Newport

Just the one change as captain Joss Labadie returns to the side in place of Anthony Hartigan.

Only a place on the bench for Kevin Ellison and Nicky Maynard despite their goals in the second-leg at Forest Green Rovers.

31 May 2021 2:08 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Morecambe unchanged

The Shrimps name an unchanged side from the second-leg against Tranmere. 

21-year-old Ryan Cooney keeps his place at right-back ahead of Kelvin Mellor, who remains on the bench.

31 May 2021 2:06 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Team news coming shortly!

We are now less than 10 minutes away from the confirmed team news!

Will 42-year-old Newport man Kevin Ellison make the lineup against his former side?

Stay tuned to find out!

31 May 2021 1:52 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Morecambe x Newport combined XI

Here's the combined lineup with players from both sides, measured by WhoScored's ratings!

Morecambe edge it with six players.

 

31 May 2021 1:50 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

View from the Wembley press box!

Vavel's Lewis Browning is in attendance at Wembley today covering the action. 

Here's his view for the game!

 

31 May 2021 1:47 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Morecambe v Newport: Head to head

Morecambe will be looking to beat Newport for the first time in four attempts. 

The Shrimps have lost the last three meetings, most recently a 3-1 home defeat in March.

However, in total they have met 16 times, and Morecambe have won seven to Newport's five.

31 May 2021 1:33 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Welcome back!

Welcome back to our live coverage of today's League Two play-off final between Morecambe and Newport County!

We will have the team news from both sides just after 2pm. 

 

31 May 2021 1:10 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

That's all for now!

We will be back tomorrow afternoon to provide you with more pre-match build-up, the confirmed lineups and updates throughout. 

See you then!

30 May 2021 8:43 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

How to watch

If you want to watch the game on TV, it will be available on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. 

However, if you are unable to watch and want to follow live updates, right here on Vavel is the place for you!

30 May 2021 8:33 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Newport County: Team news

Newport have no fresh injury concerns but there will be some difficult decisions for Michael Flynn. 

Kevin Ellison, Joss Labadie and Nicky Maynard all scored off the bench in their thrilling semi-final second-leg against Forest Green Rovers. 

The trio will be hoping to have worked their way into the starting lineup at Wembley.

30 May 2021 8:28 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Morecambe: Team news

Morecambe will be without Stephen Hendrie after he sustained an ankle injury in the first leg of their semi-final against Tranmere. 

Kelvin Mellor only made the bench in the second leg following his suspension and Ryan Cooney is likely to keep the right-back spot. 

30 May 2021 8:23 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Newport looking to break Wembley hoodoo

The Exiles have lost three of their last four games at Wembley, with the most recent being the 2019 League Two play-off final against Tranmere Rovers (Sky Sports). 

They lost 1-0 that day and haven't played in the third tier since the 1986/87 season. 


30 May 2021 8:18 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Morecambe looking to reach League One for the first time

The Shrimps will be out to make history at Wembley as they look to reach the third tier of English football for the first time (Sky Sports). 

They were victorious on their last visit in the 2007 Conference play-off final, beating Exeter City 2-1.


30 May 2021 8:13 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Kick-off time

The match will be played at Wembley Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 BST!


30 May 2021 8:08 PM BST
author
Dale WinfieldLive reporter

Welcome!

Welcome to Vavel's coverage of the 2021 League Two play-off final between Morecambe and Newport County!

My name is Dale Winfield and I'll be your host for this game.

We will provide you with pre-match build-up, team news, information about how to watch and live updates throughout the game!

30 May 2021 8:03 PM BST