Jim Bentley: Morecambe have to take care of themselves first and foremost
Jim Bentley insists Morecambe can only focus on themselves as they target a third consecutive National League victory on Saturday.
The Shrimps welcome Braintree Town to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium (5.30pm) for a match between the clubs sitting in 21st and 22nd positions respectively.
Victory would be the first time Morecambe have won three consecutive league games since February 2024, when Ged Brannan’s squad were victorious against Crawley Town, Sutton United and Tranmere Rovers.
Should fifth-bottom Brackley Town lose against Woking, then a Morecambe win could potentially see them climb out of the relegation places on goal difference.
Bentley, however, is leaving the ifs, buts and maybes to other people with his players looking to build upon a run of 10 points from five matches.
The Morecambe boss said: “I’ve said it from day one, every game is a cup final.
“They are all big games and this is a winnable game where we’re looking to get three points.
“We can’t affect what goes on at other clubs around the country, we can only look after our own business.
“We’ve got to take the confidence from the last two games (the wins at Wealdstone and Sutton United) and the togetherness that the club has shown.
“The last game at home against York City (1-0 defeat) was a fantastic performance and a day when the club came together.
“We’ve just got to make sure we bring all that together on Saturday and try to win that game.
“Some results elsewhere will go for you, others won’t. We have to try and win every game – and while people might think it’s unlikely that we will, that’s our mentality so let’s see what happens.”
Miguel Azeez could return for the Shrimps, having missed the win at Sutton, as did Lewis Payne who is available after suspension.
Fitness issues among the squad are being monitored, not least Harlee Dean, after Morecambe registered only their second clean sheet of 2026 last time out.
“Miguel has got a good chance,” Bentley said.
“We’ve got one or two bumps and bruises elsewhere, Harlee got a bad knock so we’ll have to see how he is.”