Morecambe boss Bentley ready for physical Mansfield clash

Illness could rule Andy Parrish out of Morecambe's game against Mansfield.

Adam Murray’s side pulled themselves out of the relegation zone with a first win in seven, 1-0 over Stevenage, on Saturday while The Shrimps will be looking for their first victory of 2015 having seen their unbeaten start to the new year end with a 2-1 defeat at in-form Northampton.

The game represents the start of a big week for Bentley’s side with a second home game to come against Dagenham & Redbridge on Sunday.

The Shrimps, who have scored just one goal in their last four home games, are seven points off the play-offs and 10 points clear of the Football League trap door with Bentley knowing six points out of six would see his side firmly looking up the League 2 table.

He said: “It’s a big week.

“We’ve got two home games and people will look at the league positions of Mansfield and Dagenham & Redbridge but there’s no easy games in this league.

“We don’t underestimate anyone.

“Mansfield haven’t been on a great run but all their recent games have been very, very close.

“They’re a big club with a big squad and some good players.

“It’s going to be tough and they’re a very, very physical side.

“We want to do well in front our own fans and pick up points to move up the table.”

Andy Parrish is touch and go for the Mansfield clash after coming off at half-time at Northampton due to illness.

Ryan Williams has been struggling with neck pain while Stewart Drummond’s knee injury means he continues to miss out.  Andy Wright is set to return to full training this week after his hernia operation.