Morecambe boss Bentley looking forward to facing ‘passionate’ AFC Wimbledon crowd

Jim Bentley and his assistant Ken McKenna.

The Morecambe boss enjoys the passionate atmosphere at The Dons’ Cherry Red Records Stadium and is looking forward to giving as good as he gets.

Bentley said: “I always enjoy going down to Wimbledon.

“It’s a passionate place, the crowd are outstanding and really get behind their team.

“It’s probably one of the places where as an opposing manager you get the most stick.

“They’re all over you right behind the dugout but it’s all in good spirits.

“You give as good as you get and they appreciate that. There’s always a good laugh.

“It’s a good atmosphere and they’ve got a good side.

“It’s an ambitious club that is going from strength to strength.”

The Shrimps supremo knows his side will be in for a tough game against a side who have plenty of experience both on and off the field, led by former Crazy Gang member Neil Ardley.

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Bentley said: “We know all about Wimbledon and know where there strengths and weaknesses are.

“They’ve got good players and the manager and backroom staff know the level.

“They’re experienced on the pitch too with the likes of (Paul) Robinson and the captain (Barry) Fuller.

“They seem to be tight at the back and maybe not scoring the goals they’ve wanted too even though they’ve got very good forwards at the club.

“Tom Elliot and (Adebayo) Akinfenwa have played a lot of football this season but on Saturday they brought (Adebayo) Azeez and Lyle Taylor in who are also very good strikers.

“We know defensively we’re going to have to be good because they’re all big, strong handfuls.”

The Dons are currently 14th in League 2, a point and two places behind The Shrimps, with both sides knowing a good run will fire them towards the sharp end of the division.

Bentley said: “It’ll be a tough game but we’re doing okay at the minute and are slightly ahead of them in the division.

“The league’s very tight at the moment. You win a couple and you can shoot up the table but lose a couple and you’ll get pulled back in.

“It’s a big game for both clubs but hopefully we can continue our fine form away from home.”

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