Morecambe manager prepared for twists ahead of crucial Gillingham tie

Stephen Robinson is predicting plenty of twists and turns as Morecambe begin their final push to beat the drop. 

The Shrimps play host to fellow relegation-battling Gillingham on Saturday afternoon, while a win for the hosts could prove crucial in their fight to remain a League One side. Morecambe are coming up against a buoyant Gillingham however, having won two of their last three games under the stewardship of new manager, Neil Harris.

Speaking to the Lancaster Guardian, Robinson said of the opposition: “They have had a little bit of a bounce after people perhaps thought they were gone.

“It just shows there will be lots of twists and turns to come and that nothing should surprise you in football.

“They will come here with a bit of confidence but I think, in the last six or seven games – apart from 20 minutes at Lincoln on Tuesday – we have played well.”

Since Gillingham’s change in manager, the Gills have won two of their last three games, conceding just once in that time. Due to their change in form, Robinson explained what he expects from Neil Harris’s side on Saturday.

“We know what their strengths are. We know they will be a bit more direct and dangerous from set-pieces.

“Although they are very direct and physical, they have some good footballers on the ball and there isn’t much difference between the teams at this level.”

The Verdict 

Stephen Robinson sounds optimistic for his side’s chances of steering away from relegation, but a lot of that will come down to fixing their defensive woes. The Shrimps have the worst defensive record in the division, shipping 60 goals, worse than bottom side Doncaster Rovers.

However, goals at this level are crucial, and that could prove the difference on Saturday. Morecambe have