Morecambe boss Bentley bemoans Accrington Stanley defeat

Morecambe boss Jim Bentley was exasperated after watching his side beaten at Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night.
Morecambe defender Steve OldMorecambe defender Steve Old
Morecambe defender Steve Old

Billy Kee’s first-half penalty following Dean Winnard’s foul on Kayden Jackson condemned the Shrimps to a 1-0 defeat at the Wham Stadium.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Having named the same starting XI and subs who won so impressively at Wycombe Wanderers, Bentley, his coaching staff and the 226 travelling supporters did not see the same performance.

The home side had the better chances, twice forcing Barry Roche into good saves, while Morecambe huffed and puffed in contrast.

Their night was best summed up when Steve Old’s goalbound header was inadvertently cleared off the line by team-mate Kevin Ellison with the defender then hurting himself in trying to convert the follow-up.

“I’m very disappointed obviously but I have to say I think Accrington deserved it,” Bentley said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We had a five-minute spell at the start but then they were the better side, had great opportunities and Barry Roche kept us in it.

“I asked for the same things as against Wycombe; the same desire, work rate, courage, determination and we had it in spells but we weren’t at the same level.

“My biggest disappointment is how we conceded the penalty; we gave the ball away, we were too reactive and we were looking for a bit of leadership.

“You’re at your most vulnerable in the last couple of minutes and we had no-one holding in midfield.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Jackson is quick but they thought perhaps he pulled Winnard back before he pulled Jackson back but we found ourselves 1-0 down.

“We had a go from minute one in the second half when Adam McGurk put a defender under pressure and Kevin Ellison had a shot wide.

“Steve Old’s header is flying in the back of the net and then it hits Kevin Ellison in the nose.

“He’s gone to put the follow-up in, missed it and he’s done his knee falling into the frost covers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“They are the little things that go for or against you but fair play to Accrington; they are a progressive club, run in the right manner and they are playing with a bit more momentum and confidence than we are.”