Bentley praises battling performance in Dagenham draw

Kevin Ellison battles for the ball against Dagenham.

Morecambe boss Jim Bentley was pleased with his side’s battling display as they drew 0-0 at Dagenham & Redbridge in the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

The draw won’t live long in the memory but Bentley said it was job done as his side ensured they were in the hat for the second round.

Bentley said: “We knew coming into the game it was going to be difficult.

“They hadn’t won at home and are bottom of the league but form goes out of the window.

“The team that had been struggling has been changed around quite a bit and they changed formation too.

“It was a difficult day with the swirling wind too so it was more of a battle.

“That’s what both sides did and there wasn’t much football played. We created opportunities and probably shaded it, having a big shout for a penalty which hasn’t been given.

“That seems to be a thing that’s gone against us in recent weeks.

“We’ve had three and scored three but we could have had plenty more as well.

“Overall it was all about getting in the hat for the next round and that’s what we’ve done.”

The replay at the Globe Arena is on Tuesday, November 17.