Bentley hails resilient Morecambe after Lincoln draw

Morecambe manager Jim Bentley was “proud” of his side’s spirit after a second successive clean sheet saw them pick up another vital point in their push for safety.

The Shrimps’ defence produced a battling performance to keep out play-off chasing Lincoln in a goalless battle at the Globe Arena.

Matt Green wasted a glorious opportunity for Lincoln when he miscued from close range after running on to Matt Rhead’s lay-off.

Morecambe looked more of a threat in the second half and Adam McGurk almost claimed a late victory with a free-kick from 25 yards which beat Ryan Allsop and struck the crossbar.

Lee Frecklington then nearly won it for Lincoln but he fired inches wide in injury time from the edge of the box.

Bentley said: “We have had three games at home this week on a difficult pitch and I think you could see how much effort the lads had put in at the end of the game.

“They were absolutely shattered because it was a really physical game and they gave everything against a really good Lincoln side who play at a terrific tempo.

“They had a lot of the ball and had more of the chances but I’m proud of the lads for their endeavour. They threw their bodies on the line time and time again and made it really difficult for them.

“We are proving really difficult to beat at the moment and we have to take confidence from that as we head into the final weeks of the season.”

Lincoln manager Danny Cowley was pleased with his side’s clean sheet but said they fell short in the final third.

He said: “It was a really tough League Two battle on a really difficult pitch and although disappointed not to get all three points we are happy with the clean sheet.

“We put loads of crosses into their box but our final actions weren’t quite there and that is the reason we didn’t win the game.

“I have to give Morecambe credit because they were really strong, resolute and together and that is why they are on a good run at the moment. They defended the frame of their goal really well and we and just lacked the clinical touch on the day.

“We are four unbeaten now with eight points from the last four games and it is still all to play for in the final few weeks.”