Defender Ashley Eastham says “spirits are high” ahead of Saturday’s trip to the Globe Arena.
Dale head into the encounter after a week of mixed emotions following the win over Torquay United on Saturday and the defeat at Chesterfield on Tuesday, but Eastham says they're looking forward to the game.
He told Dale Player: “Coming out of Saturday’s game we were very happy with the performance and like it has been documented we had a change in formation for Saturday and Tuesday. It worked well against
Torquay but unfortunately against Chesterfield we just couldn’t seem to get going.
"We’re not blaming the formation because there’s no reason for it to work one game and not the next, so we were disappointed as a team with our performance on Tuesday. I thought we reacted well in the second half but unfortunately a few decisions didn’t go for us and we just couldn’t get back in the game.
“The spirits are high, we’re definitely not down, we’re a more than confident group and we’re looking forward to Saturday.
"It’s a top of the table clash and Morecambe have done very well this season. We’re very aware of how they play as a side and what their strengths are, but I think they’ll be very aware of us as well. Fingers crossed we get the result that we want.”
Eastham was given his first start since August in Saturday's FA Cup tie at Plainmoor and retained his place in the starting eleven for Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy match against Chesterfield.
The 22-year-old says he’s pleased to be back playing first team football and doesn't have any complaints about having to wait for an opportunity.
“It’s frustrating as a player when you’re not playing, but I was also more than respecting the squad because we’ve done fantastic so far this season. It’s hard to knock on the Gaffer’s door when the squad is doing so well. It’s brilliant to be back in – all I want to do is play football and do well for the team.
“You’ve got to keep yourself in tip top condition so you’re ready for when the Gaffer needs you. Since Burton Albion I've had a game every week in the reserve side, I’ve been keeping fit, I train hard every single day to try and impress the Gaffer, so from a fitness point of view I’m probably even fitter now than when I was in the side due to the amount of training I’ve been doing.”
The full interview with Ashley is available on Dale Player.