Daniel Ogwuru leaves it late to give Morecambe emotionally-charged victory

Daniel Ogwuru struck in the eighth-minute of stoppage time to fire Morecambe to a 2-1 victory over Altrincham on an emotionally-charged first match in charge for new owners Panjab Warriors.

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

Ogwuru was only announced on Friday but was sent on by Singh 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 on Morecambe’s delayed season opener.

It had been a dramatic week for Morecambe with Panjab Warriors’ takeover only officially confirmed on Sunday by the National League, which lifted the club’s suspension and it was followed by Adams’ dismissal and the appointment of former Como coach Singh 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 of the new ownership.

Roared on by more than 3,000 Morecambe fans, last season’s player of the season 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, one of six debutants, was forced to save from Jimmy Knowles soon after before Harry Panayiotou lifted an effort over for the hosts.

Altrincham had 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.

Singh Johal shuffled his pack as the seconds ticked away with Ma’Kel Campbell and Ogwuru introduced, but it was Altrincham who went closest to a winner in 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 substitute 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.