Jim expects tight game
SHRIMPS' boss Jim Bentley is expecting another tough test against old foes Dagenham on Saturday.
The two sides meet at Victoria Road on Saturday in what will be the 30th game between the teams who have been regular opponents over the past few years in League 2 and the Conference.
The Shrimps boss said the two sides are similar in size and outlook and they have a great deal in common. He said: “We are the northern edition of Dagenham and they’re the southern edition of Morecambe.
“We’re very, very similar in terms of size, budgets, crowds and fan bases and things like that.
“They’re always tight games apart from the one we don’t really want to mention in the play-offs a few years ago.
“It’s got the makings of good game because we’re two of the teams in there who think with a win against one of their rivals they can push on a little bit further.”
There’s very little to separate Morecambe and Dagenham this season with Wayne Burnett’s side a point and a place below the Shrimps in League 2 in 13th.
The two sides drew 2-2 at the Globe Arena back in September with Rhys Murphy rescuing a point for the visitors with the last kick of the game.
Bentley said: “I rate them they’re a good side.
“Wayne Burnett’s done a good job down there, he’s got good players who have a go and they’ve just had a good win in midweek (2-1 at Bristol Rovers) so it’s going to be a difficult game.
“It’s always a tough place to go we know that. But we’ve won the last two and have confidence.”
Shaun Beeley will miss the trip to Victoria Road and is set to be out for around a couple of weeks with a pulled hamstring.
Andy Fleming will serve the first of a two-game ban after picking up his 10th booking of the season in the 4-1 win over Newport County on Tuesday night.