Morecambe boss Bentley: Exeter won't be distracted by Liverpool replay

Morecambe boss Jim Bentley isn't expecting Exeter to be distracted by their FA Cup replay with Liverpool.
Exeter City's Lee Holmes celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Liverpool. Picture: David Davies/PA Wire.Exeter City's Lee Holmes celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Liverpool. Picture: David Davies/PA Wire.
Exeter City's Lee Holmes celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Liverpool. Picture: David Davies/PA Wire.

Paul Tisdale’s Grecians visit the Globe Arena on Tuesday night having held the Premier League giants to a 2-2 draw in the third round on Friday night.

Bentley however believes all their attentions will be on ending a four-game losing run in League 2.

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He said: “They were doing well and then they lost the last four in the league.

“Paul Tisdale know’s the game inside out, he’s the second longest serving manager in the league, and he’ll know you can’t look too far ahead.

“He’ll know they can’t put all their energies into that replay and going to Anfield and things like that.

“Their bread and butter is the league. He’ll have ambitions of getting Exeter higher up the league and that’s what it’s about.

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“I don’t think they’ll have one eye on Liverpool at all. They’ve got tough games coming up and then they can put their energies into the FA Cup replay.

“We’ll be expecting them to be trying to get back to winning ways after having a difficult time in the league of late.

“We know if they play like they did on Friday night it’s going to be a difficult game.”

The Shrimps will play on home soil for the first time since December 1 on Tuesday night with a lack of Globe Arena action having hit Bentley’s January transfer window plans.

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He said: “If you’re budgeting for a certain number you only need one game with a low crowd and it knocks you.

“That’s why it’s so difficult to do some business in the transfer window.

“Right from day one losing the Blackpool friendly was a big blow to us and a couple of games we had low crowds, especially Crawley, and then with not having a home game for nearly three months it’s really testing on the finances of the club.

“We really need the community and the town to get behind us. I know it’s a big ask in January when everyone starts tightening their belt after the festive period but I’ve said all along it’s the town’s football club.

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“I call upon them to get behind us because it’s an interesting time as well.

“We’re in a decent enough position after the four points on the road and hopefully we can put some points on the board in front of our home fans and get further up the table.”

Aaron McGowan is set to see a specialist about his hamstring problem and remains a few weeks away from a return.