Loan Watch: Morecambe 2-0 Accrington Stanley – Match Report | OneFootball

By Dan Clubbe

There was once a time when Liverpool were reliant on a 19 year old former Kidderminster Harriers centre-back in order to guide The Reds to a top four Premier League finish and in turn secure Champions League qualification.

Fast forward five years and whilst Arne Slot’s side sits top of the Premier League having already secured passage through to the elite European competition knockout rounds, Rhys Williams is currently looking to rebuild his career at League Two outfit Morecambe.

Injuries, illness and difficult loan spells in the last few seasons have curtailed the development of one of the heroes of 2020/21 alongside Nat Phillips, however, with 29 appearances under his belt so far this campaign, the 24-year-old central defender once hailed as ‘incredible’ by Jurgen Klopp has certainly shown an ability to fight for his career.

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To check on the progress of the Liverpool loanee I headed to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium to watch the massive clash at the foot of League Two as Morecambe welcomed local Lancashire rivals, fellow strugglers and recent Liverpool FA Cup opponents Accrington Stanley to their sandy home.

Ahead of the match it quickly became apparent just how highly regarded Williams was by the locals as fans, staff and even the local chaplain spoke to me in glowing terms of just how the youngster had acquitted himself.

Named in the starting XI alongside fellow former Reds’ academy ace Adam Lewis who himself spent 19 years with Liverpool, Williams was tasked with keeping Morecambe’s survival hopes alive against the likes of Liam Coyle, Connor Woods and Shaun Whalley, all of whom would’ve cheered him on previously.

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With 19 first-team outings under his belt for Liverpool, you’d have been forgiven for thinking the hostility of this local derby would be a mere formality for Williams, however, even Atalanta, Manchester United and Aston Villa away felt somewhat removed from the importance of this and the responsibility that was seemingly on the defender’s shoulders.

After a frantic start, the first big chance came for Accrington and it took an excellent one-on-one save from Ryan Scofield to keep the score nil-nil in the opening five minutes.

Just after the 20 minute mark it was Tyler Walton who went close for the visitors with a chest and looped volley that just clipped the top of the crossbar before going behind.

Morecambe ended the half much the stronger side with centre-forward Lee Angol giving them an outlet as a number of shots, free-kicks and dangerous situations were created as the fiery atmosphere spilled over onto the pitch before the break with the score still goalless.

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The second half began in much the same way the first ended with the hosts on the front foot and it was rewarded when a sustained spell of pressure saw a delivery into the box left by everybody aside from Lee Angol who nodded beyond the Stanley goalkeeper.

Accrington responded well and Williams was required to show his defensive nous on numerous occasions in the immediate aftermath of the goal including one block on a goalbound effort inside the penalty area.

Academy starlet of 19 years at Liverpool, Lewis was in the thick of the action throughout the closing stages and was eventually forced off with cramp following a monumental shift up and down the left wing.

Williams was called into action defensively once again late on and procured another big block to deflect an effort behind for a corner. Marshalling those around him, the on-loan Red was instrumental as Morecambe clung on.

But, it wasn’t just clinging on for the hosts as with Accrington pushing hard the home side countered, keeping the ball alive to find substitute Ged Garner who turned to volley home and sent the crowd wild.

A massive win and what could prove to be a hugely significant three points with Williams at the heart of the performance and the clean sheet.

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Ultimately regardless of what happens next for Williams, it’s just a major positive to see a young footballer back enjoying playing and contributing after a wretched time through injuries, illness and disappointing loan moves.

With a huge end of the season to come, the Liverpool man will certainly need to bring all his experience and quality in order to help Morecambe survive, qualities evidenced in this display.

A Quick Chat With…Rhys Williams will be out this week on Redmen Plus