“We will attack the games this weekend”: Jim Bentley’s vow as Morecambe face high flyers

Three disappointing defeats in a week against Yeovil Town, Hartlepool United and Aldershot Town have left the Shrimps eight points from safety with five games to go.

It means a third relegation in four seasons is a huge threat with almost the toughest of Easter schedules possible on the horizon.

They travel to league leaders Rochdale on Good Friday before welcoming third-placed Carlisle United to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium on Easter Monday.

Looking ahead to the games, Bentley said: “There is some negativity and I get the frustration of everyone about where the club finds itself, but we will attack the games this weekend and try to win them.

“We obviously know that we can’t go straight out and try and blow away teams like Rochdale and Carlisle because they are both top sides at the top end of the division, but we have to keep our heads up, keep working hard and remain positive.

“Last week was difficult for us with the three defeats and the 5-0 win at Sutton recently seems miles away.

“In the end, we have missed far too many chances which has proved costly.

“It means we now have to embrace the Easter fixtures and come out fighting because there is nothing worse than a team going into a game negatively, worrying about what could have been.

“When I look back though the matches since I have been here, we have been in every game apart from the Southend one and should have more points than we have – and we have to take strength from that.

“We know we have good players and we just have to attack these fixtures and give our absolute all, play for the shirt and represent the town and the community in the right manner.

“Everyone is giving their all, and I can see that, but we have come up short.

“We have to keep battling and hopefully pick up a win or two that will keep us fighting.”