Morecambe grab dramatic win in first game since takeover

Daniel Ogwuru scored Morecambe's dramatic late winner as they beat Altrincham in their first game of the season following the takeover by Panjab Warriors

Daniel Ogwuru struck in the eighth minute of stoppage time to give Morecambe victory over Altrincham in an emotionally charged first match under new owners Panjab Warriors.

Morecambe fans feared for the future of their club until Panjab Warriors' takeover went through this month, but even when it was eventually given the green light, a frantic week followed as rookie boss Ashvir Singh Johal was hired to replace Derek Adams before more than 10 players were signed.

Ogwuru was only announced on Friday but was sent on by Johal, the first Sikh to manage a British professional club, midway through the second half and rewarded his manager with a fine low finish to clinch a precious three points from Morecambe's delayed season opener.

It has been a dramatic seven days for Morecambe, with Panjab Warriors' takeover only officially confirmed on Sunday by the National League, which lifted the club's suspension. The change of ownership was followed by Adams' dismissal and the appointment of former Como youth coach Johal.

A raft of signings followed once a transfer embargo was lifted on Wednesday, but it was one of the old guard who scored the first goal under the new regime.

Roared on by more than 3,000 Morecambe fans, last season's player of the season Ben Tollitt carried the ball forward and after his first effort was saved by Luke Hutchinson, the winger scuffed home the loose ball to spark big celebrations after eight minutes.

Former Morecambe loanee Archie Mair, now back as a permanent signing, was forced to save from Jimmy Knowles soon after before Harry Panayiotou lifted an effort over for the hosts.

Altrincham finished ninth last season and responded impressively as Knowles raced away and slotted home after 35 minutes to ensure it was 1-1 at the break.

Morecambe started the second half well and Gwion Edwards went close with two efforts.

Johal shuffled his pack as the clock ticked on, with Ma'kel Campbell and Ogwuru introduced, and Altrincham went close to a winner after the addition of 10 minutes of stoppage time.

A combination of Morecambe goalkeeper Mair and Jake Cain denied Lewis Banks and Kahrel Azariah Reddin before a dramatic finale followed.

Tollitt again brought the ball forward and teed up Ogwuru, who composed himself on the right and drilled into the bottom corner to send the home crowd into pandemonium on a special day for Morecambe supporters.

Report supplied by PA Media.