Coventry City 0-0 Morecambe: Shrimps stay up as Sky Blues reach play-offs

Morecambe will be in League Two for a 12th successive season in 2018-19

Morecambe avoided relegation on the final day of the League Two season with a goalless draw against Coventry, who got the point they needed to secure a play-off place.

The Shrimps began knowing a win at the Ricoh Arena would make them safe, while a draw would leave Barnet needing to beat Chesterfield by a seven-goal margin.

Barnet won 3-0, but it was the Bees who will drop into the National League.

Morecambe goalkeeper Barry Roche made two excellent saves in a goalless first half to deny Michael Doyle and Jonson Clarke-Harris.

Kevin Ellison had the visitors' best chance shortly after half-time, but the veteran forward's shot flew just wide of the near post.

At the end of a week in which Morecambe's off-field problems appeared to be resolved by a takeover by London-based Bond Group Investment Limited, the Lancashire club can look forward to a 12th successive season in the English Football League.

Meanwhile, Coventry - chasing a return to the third tier after relegation last season - will play Notts County in their play-off semi-final. The winners will play either Exeter City or Lincoln City in the final at Wembley on Monday, 28 May.

The Sky Blues' final placing of sixth is their first Top Six finish, in any division, since 1970, when they did so in the top flight and qualified for Europe in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.

League Two play-off semi-final dates

Saturday, 12 May (19:30 BST): Coventry City v Notts County

Friday, 18 May (19:45 BST): Notts County v Coventry City

Morecambe finished outside the relegation zone on goal difference courtesy of their draw at Coventry

'Massive achievement' for Morecambe

Coventry manager Mark Robins:

"We beat Notts County on the first game of the season and lost at their place. It is about how people handle the experience of the play-offs.

"There was a lot at stake and they made it difficult for us; it was a hot day today and sometimes that takes the sting out of games.

"Their keeper has made two unbelievable saves and we had chances which we did not take."

Morecambe manager Jim Bentley:

"I am delighted for the boys, this is a massive achievement for us.

"We sat in and did what we needed to do, they got what they wanted and we got what we wanted.

"The fans were superb in the second half. We are going to enjoy this and be positive as we look to improve next year.

"There was a lot riding on today, it is a massive result for us and a great day for the club."