Shrimps skipper set for landmark

Bentley has scored 31 goals for Morecambe

Morecambe captain Jim Bentley says he is honoured to be on the verge of becoming the club's first player to play 100 games in the Football League.

The 33-year-old will reach the milestone on Saturday if he is involved in the League Two game against Northampton at Christie Park.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I'm thrilled about it.

"As a player who played many years in the Conference all I wanted to do was play somewhere in the Football League."

The Liverpool-born defender, who began his career as a trainee at Manchester City, has made more than 300 appearances in all competitions since joining Morecambe in May 2002.

He's been a fantastic servant and great captain Morecambe boss Sammy McIlroy

He captained the Shrimps to their 2007 Conference play-off final win against Exeter which saw them promoted to the Football League for the first time in their history.

"I've a lot of fond memories of my time with this club," said Bentley.

"I particularly remember a game against Peterborough when we won 3-2, as well as a few games in the Carling Cup.

"I've also been reasonably lucky with injuries, so I just want to keep going and try and reach a few more landmarks."

Morecambe boss Sammy McIlroy said: "He's been a fantastic servant and great captain.

"I just hope we can get a win for him against Northampton at the weekend."