Morecambe Preview

A look ahead to Bolton's first visit to the Globe Arena on Wednesday evening

Morecambe v Bolton Wanderers,
Wednesday 1 August,
Globe Arena, 7.45pm Kick-Off

Bolton Wanderers continue their preparations heading into the new season this Wednesday against League Two outfit Morecambe at the Globe Arena.

With less than three weeks until the Trotters begin their 2012/13 npower Championship campaign against neighbours Burnley at Turf Moor, manager Owen Coyle will be hoping all his players give a good account of themselves in their fifth friendly of pre-season.

The Shrimps are sure to prove a stern test for Wanderers as they aim to improve on their 15th place finish in the previous League Two campaign.

They have been in impressive form in the lead up to Wednesday's clash having suffered only one defeat in four matches.

Their current manager, Jim Bentley, was appointed in May 2011 as player-manager on a two-year contract and replaced Sammy McIlroy after a successful five-year reign.

During McIlroy's time at the helm, Morecambe earned promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history following a 2-1 win over Exeter City in the 2007 Conference Play-Off Final at Wembley.

During this period the club also left Christie Park to move to the Globe Arena, which was opened two years ago.

Indeed, Wanderers were scheduled to play the opening game at the 6,476 capacity stadium, only for the friendly to be cancelled as the building work at the venue was not completed in time.

Morecambe opened their pre-season account with a 0-0 draw at Conference North outfit Altrincham, before registering 2-0 and 1-0 wins against Preston North End and Barrow respectively.

The 2-0 home defeat at the hands of League One hopefuls Bury on Saturday marked their only defeat thus far and they will be determined to get back on track on Wednesday.

As for Bolton, Chris Eagles, Matt Mills, Chris Ream and David Ngog did not feature in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra, whilst Zat Knight was substituted in the first half.

Club captain Kevin Davies said: "A lot of it is precautionary. I don't think it's anything too serious. Obviously, we don't want to be losing anybody through injury at this stage."

Davies also feels that the younger players within the squad have a great chance during the upcoming games to impress manager Owen Coyle and has urged them to make good use of it.

The skipper added: "As young players they have got such an opportunity. Let's hope they take it. There are five or six that are in and amongst it now and the Gaffer has given them that opportunity. They have earned it and are in with a chance.

"The side has not yet been picked for the start of the season. We've got good young players coming through and they are going to get an opportunity to play at the top level.

"They need to make sure that they are doing all the right things and take the opportunities because when they come on and get that chance they need to impress the manager."

Wanderers' supporters attending the game will be located in the Bay Radio Stand (standing) and Block D of the PMG Stand (seating) whilst admission will be gained by payment on the turnstiles/gates.

Admission is priced at £7 and £8 for adults standing and seating respectively, £5 and £6 for Over 65s/Students standing and seating respectively, and £3 for Under 18s.

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