Morecambe boss pleased with a worthwhile workout

Morecambe boss Jim Bentley was a happy man after watching his side start pre-season with a 2-1 win at Bamber Bridge.
Morecambe manager Jim BentleyMorecambe manager Jim Bentley
Morecambe manager Jim Bentley

Goals in each half for Kevin Ellison and Adam Campbell gave the Shrimps a two-goal lead before Regan Linney pulled one back for Brig.

Tuesday’s match allowed Bentley to use a 21-man squad, all of whom came through unscathed.

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“It was a good workout and it was competitive which you need,” Bentley said.

“Everyone came through it OK without picking up any injuries and there was some really good stuff played as well as some other bits to work on.

“It was a decent pitch and, overall, it was a good night’s work.”

The Shrimps’ squad contained a number of new signings as well as three particular absentees.

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New arrival Zak Mills was missing as he builds up his recovery from a hernia injury at the end of last season.

Also missing were Vadaine Oliver and Luke Conlan following a car crash on Monday which left them with whiplash and back injuries.

Their unavailability meant two of the club’s younger players, Cole Edwards and Amilcar Codjovi,played the final quarter-hour.

Edwards replaced the man who was arguably Morecambe’s most impressive performer on Tuesday night, left-back Jordan Cranston.

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Another of Bentley’s summer signings, Cranston showed good defensive awareness and a willingness to get forward in partnership with Ellison.

“I thought Jordan was excellent but there were some other positives as well,” the manager said.

“It was great to have some of the kids with us and we’re hoping that Vadaine and Luke will be back for the weekend if we can arrange a game.”

The Shrimps had been set to visit Lancaster City on Saturday but the hot weather means the Giant Axe pitch has been deemed unsafe.

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They are trying to arrange a replacement game to fill the gap and keep the players up to speed.

“It’s very difficult for clubs to keep the pitches as they would like given the weather we’ve had,” Bentley acknowledged.

“It’s disappointing but it’s one of those things and something we’ll have to take on the chin.

“Hopefully we’ll have another fixture to replace it because we desperately need to get matches in.”