Bentley believes Morecambe should relish being underdogs at Bury

Jim Bentley. Picture: Matt RushtonJim Bentley. Picture: Matt Rushton
Jim Bentley. Picture: Matt Rushton
Morecambe boss Jim Bentley is hoping his side embrace their role as underdogs at Bury in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday night.

The Shrimps have lost their last three at home, conceding 11 goals in the process, and are without a win in four League 2 games.

But Bentley’s men won the team of the round award for their 2-0 first round triumph over last year’s finalists Walsall with the boss hoping for more of the same against a Shakers side who are third in League 1 having won their last seven games in all competitions.

The Shrimps boss said: “We’re going to a top side.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“When we saw them in pre-season (the sides drew 1-1 at the Globe Arena in July) I thought they were excellent.

“They’ve got good players, a good squad and it’s going to be a very difficult game for us.

“There’s no pressure on us. The pressure’s on them to win the game.

“But it will be a big challenge for us and will be a big ask.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’re carrying one or two injuries and our form hasn’t been great when it comes to keeping the ball out of the net.

“We are causing teams problems though and we’ve just go to get that balance right.”

The sides met in last year’s competition at Gigg Lane, with Bury prevailing 3-1, but The Shrimps did do the double over David Flitcroft’s in League 2 as they won promotion.

Bentley said: “I think things were stacked against us then. 
“They were going for automatic promotion.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“They’re an ambitious club who are doing well in the league again.

“But we beat them twice last year. Hopefully we can be one of their bogey sides and go and get a result.

“We’ve got to sharpen up though because at the moment it’s far too easy to score against us.

“There’s a little bit of bad luck but those things happen when you’re struggling.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves and we need a result no matter what competition it’s in.”

Aaron Wildig and Laurence Wilson are both doubts ahead of the game.

Wildig missed Saturday’s 4-3 defeat to Bristol Rovers with a groin problem while Wilson has been battling a hamstring injury.

News you can trust since 1837
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice