Morecambe will be aiming to complete a ‘Spotland double’ this evening when they take on Rochdale in an FA Cup first-round replay.
The Shrimps have already tasted victory over John Coleman’s men on their home patch this season when two goals from Jack Redshaw gave them a 2-1 win in the league last month.
But Coleman, who enjoyed an amazing run of success over the Shrimps when he was manager of Accrington Stanley, fired up his side sufficiently enough when the two sides clashed again in the original cup tie at the Globe Arena a week last Saturday.
On that occasion, Dale were unfortunate not to book their passage into the next round after enjoying the lion’s share of the match – eventually having to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Rochdale’s 2-1 victory away at Wycombe this weekend saw them move into a League Two play-off position.
But the Shrimps, who enjoyed an excellent 4-1 home victory over Edgar Davids’ Barnet on Saturday, will feel they can take advantage of Rochdale’s disappointing Spotland form, which has seen them pick up just two wins from eight league games so far this season.
Tonight’s winners will have an away trip to League One outfit Coventry City to look forward to in the next round.
Bentley said: “Rochdale showed at the Globe that they are a good side and I said after the game that I thought we were pretty lucky overall to still be in the cup because we were well below par on the day.
“But we have another chance though to show what we can do now, and there is a big prize being dangled in front of us with an away tie at Coventry, so we will be giving it our all.’’
Bentley has a number of injury worries ahead of the trip to Spotland. Striker Redshaw, goalkeeper Barry Roche and central defender Will Haining all missed the game on Saturday.
Former North End goalkeeper Andreas Arestidou deputised in goal for Roche – who is struggling with a leg injury – on Saturday.
Redshaw and Haining both have calf strains, and Bentley admitted all three face a race to be fit for tonight.
He said: “Barry is still feeling the effect of the knock he picked up in the first cup game against Rochdale and both Will and Jack have slight calf strains.
“We will give it as long as we can before we make any decisions but obviously the more players we have available the better, for what will be a tough tie.’’
Comments