Morecambe boss Bentley: Stevenage a different side to a few weeks ago

The teams drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture at the end of November thanks to Padraig Amond’s late goal.

At that stage Graham Westley’s side were struggling but they head to the Globe Arena on Saturday on the back of three straight wins.

Bentley said: “When we played them down there they were on a bit of a sticky spell.

“But now they’ve won three on the spin and had a good Christmas period.

“They’ve got one or two players back from injury and they’ve got one or two young lads who’ve come into the side and really kicked on.

“It’s given them the boost they needed and they’re playing well, winning games and scoring goals so it will be a tough match for us.

“It’s strange because it’s not long since we went down there but at least we know what they’re all about.

“We were a bit depleted on the day with injury and suspension but they’ve just gone above us in the table and it’s all to play for.

“We’re in a decent position and these are the games at home you want to win to try and leapfrog them and get closer to the play-offs and where we all want to be.”

Bentley sees the game as a real chance to take points off a direct rival for honours this season.

He said: “They’re all big games but at Hartlepool the other day after two 1-0 defeats it was important that we got to back to winning ways.

“And now we’re playing against a team in decent form looking to get back up to League 1.

“If we want to kick on this season these are the games we should really be taking something from.

“It’s a mid-table battle and one we’re really looking forward to.”