Morecambe look to bounce back after missing out on a chance to escape the bottom four

A win against Braintree Town at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium would have taken the Shrimps out of the National League relegation places for the first time since last August.

They were on the way to doing so when Jack Nolan put them ahead with a late penalty.

The visitors, however, levelled through Lewis Walker in added time to earn a 1-1 draw, meaning both sides – along with Gateshead – are two points behind fifth-bottom Brackley Town.

It was the 25th point the Shrimps had dropped from a winning position this season, a figure that could prove vital in the end-of-season reckoning.

Bentley, whose squad travels to Yeovil Town on Saturday, said: “It was a cruel way to end the game and we have to learn quickly about how we see games out.

“Everyone was disappointed at the end of the match, especially as we had taken the lead so late on in the game, but we have to put it to the back of our minds, lick our wounds and have a good week to prepare for the trip to Yeovil.

“We have to look forward and we have to look forward positively. We are three games unbeaten and in decent form with eight games to go.

“The lads are giving their all and really pushing themselves. There is a good togetherness and we are proving hard to beat with one defeat in six – and we will prepare as best as we can for Yeovil.

“We have a free week, which gives us the chance to make sure everyone is right and ready for the game, and if we can win that it keeps the pressure on those around us.”

The relegation picture could become clearer this evening as teams in and around the Shrimps play games in hand.

Brackley would move five points clear of Morecambe and Braintree with eight games left should they win against Solihull Moors.

A defeat, however, could see Gateshead climb out of the bottom four if they were to beat Wealdstone, while Yeovil also play as they travel to Woking.