BENTLEY THRILLED AS RUN GOES ON
MORECAMBE manager Jim Bentley was a happy man after continuing his excellent record against Southend United with a 1-0 win at Roots Hall.
The Shrimps have now won eight and drawn one of the nine league meetings between the two teams.
And Bentley was thrilled to see Jack Redshaw’s early volley secure his side another win against the Shrimpers.
“Over the years we’ve done well against Southend and it’s nice to come here and get the win again,” said Bentley.
“They are always difficult games and this was no different. Southend are a very strong side, they have a good manager and a big crowd who get right behind them.
“But we worked hard on our shape in training and worked on what we could expect from Southend.
“Jack’s early goal gave us something to cling on to but Southend had a few chances in the first half.
“They hit the bar and Barry Roche has had to make some good saves.
“But they didn’t create as much in the second half and we could’ve ended up winning by three or four goals.
“We’ve had a couple of players go through and their goalkeeper has also made one or two good saves.
“We also had that little bit of luck you need right at the end when the flick went wide but it’s very pleasing to get back to winning ways.”
Morecambe had lost three games in a row but they started well and bagged the only goal of the game after just five minutes when Redshaw brilliantly volleyed home a long ball forward from Shaun Beeley.
The hosts hit back with Conor Clifford firing against the crossbar and Shaq Coulthirst heading straight at Roche.
Morecambe replied with Redshaw forcing Daniel Bentley into an excellent save before his opposite number, Roche, denied both Coulthirst and Kevan Hurst.
The second half was far less eventful but Redshaw saw a close range header parried to safety by Bentley before Morecambe substitute Andy Fleming fired wide when clean through on goal.
Kevin Ellison then also wasted a good chance when his low effort was pushed wide of the right post by Bentley.
And those wasted opportunities almost came back to haunt Morecambe when Luke Prosser flicked Coulthirst’s cross inches past the post and David Worrall’s boot.
That frustrated Southend manager Phil Brown who felt his side’s lack of a cutting edge was to blame for the defeat.
“We had enough chances to win the game but we looked like we were lacking confidence and were devoid of ideas in the final third,” said Brown.
“It was surprising but it was an off day for us and a very frustrating one as well.
“I have no idea what it is about us playing Morecambe either but maybe it’s something in the players’ heads now. You will have to ask them but it’s certainly not in my head and this is a disappointing day for us all.”