Morecambe set for first friendly at Kendal

After a hard couple of weeks on the training ground Jim Bentley’s side play their opening pre-season friendly at the Evo-Stik First Division North side managed by former Shrimps midfielder Michael Stringfellow.

Bentley said: “It’ll be nice to get the shin pads back on and the match boots back on.

“It’s a long summer and then the first 10 days or two weeks are tough, physical work and all the lads are chomping at the bit wanting some match action.

“It’s a relatively small trip up the road to Kendal and we’re hoping for a good run out.”

Despite a few knocks in the camp Bentley is hoping to be able to rotate a full squad as the build up begins in earnest for the League 2 opener at Hartlepool on August 8.

The Shrimps boss said: “The lads are looking excellent.

“We’ve had one or two little niggles with players having a day off here or there but we’re hoping to have a fully fit squad for the Kendal game.”

The game at the Lancaster and Morecambe College Stadium will be the first chance for Shrimps fans to look at new signings Adam Dugdale, Aaron Wildig, Lee Molyneux, Tom Barkhuizen and Peter Murphy.

Supporters will not however see the club’s new kit after the Carbrini delivery was delayed by the severe tropical storm, Chan Hom, that has hit China.

Kendal will include some familiar faces including former Shrimps youngster Will Kitchen who has signed up to compete for the Mintcakes’ number one shirt.

The game kicks off at 7.30pm with admission £5 for adults, £2 for concessions and under 16s free.