Morecambe manager Jim Bentley believes Rochdale have what it takes to secure promotion, as he prepares to face the title contenders at Spotland on Saturday.
Dale, who are fourth in League Two, recorded a 2-1 victory at Morecambe’s Globe Arena back in November, to move above Bentley’s side in the table.
Morecambe by contrast have plummeted down the table following a promising start – they now lie mid-table in thirteenth – and Bentley is fully aware of the home side’s threat.
“I thought when they played us earlier in the season they were one of the top sides that we’ve seen, they’ve kicked on since and they’re right in the promotion mix,” Bentley told the Morecambe Visitor.
“Looking at it I think they’ll either go up automatically or get a play-off spot.
“They’re one of the top sides, Keith Hill’s done a fantastic job there and we know it will be a difficult game for us.”
Scott Hogan fired a hat-trick last time out for Dale in a 3-0 win over AFC Wimbledon and also netted against Morecambe in that 2-1 victory in November.
Bentley was quick to single out Hogan as well as Ian Henderson as players with quality who will cause his team problems.
“They’re a good side, they’ve got good players. The lad Hogan has come back into the side in top form with three goals last week. Henderson’s also a good player and they’ve got good players all over the pitch.”
Image courtesy of Mark Swindlehurst, via YouTube, with thanks.
