Stat Attack: Morecambe vs. Notts County, Saturday 7 January 2017

Notts County and Morecambe have met nine times in their history, with the first ever clash taking place less than 10 years ago, in September 2007.

On that day, it ended as a 1-1 draw, Michael Twiss putting the visitors ahead at Meadow Lane in the first half, before Richard Butcher equalised in the 87th minute.

The Shrimpers have a slight advantage, with four wins over Notts, three draws and two defeats.

Our last meeting, in October 2016, saw Morecambe claim a 2-1 win, as Tom Barkhuizen's brace put them two goals to the good at the Lane, before Vadaine Oliver grabbed a consolation in the 90th minute.

The fixture on 19 September 2009 was former Arsenal and England legend Sol Campbell's only game in a Magpies shirt, while the rematch later in the season, on 17 April 2010, is when Notts mathematically secured promotion to League One.

Football in the town dates back to the turn of the 20th century; however, it was not until 7 May 1920 that Morecambe FC was formed. The club then took its place in the Lancashire Combination League for the 1920–21 season.

The fourteen years from 1960 could be said to be Morecambe's golden era. This included an FA Cup third round appearance in 1961–62, a 1–0 defeat to Weymouth; a Lancashire Senior Cup Final victory in 1968, a 2–1 win over Burnley; and an FA Trophy success at Wembley in 1974, a 2–1 win over Dartford in the final.

Morecambe, a non-league side for most of their history, were promoted to the Football League for the first time in 2007 after winning the Conference Playoff Final, beating Exeter City 2–1 at Wembley in front of over 40,000 fans.

Morecambe was a thriving seaside resort in the mid-20th century. While the resort of Blackpool attracted holiday-makers predominantly from the Lancashire mill towns, Morecambe had more visitors from Yorkshire, due to its railway connection, and Scotland.

Between 1956 and 1989 Morecambe was the home of the Miss Great Britain beauty contest.

Team news

Morecambe boss Jim Bentley will begin a two-match touchline ban when his side host Notts on Saturday in League Two.

The Football Association said Bentley would serve the suspension with immediate effect after being charged over an incident in the 2-1 loss to Cheltenham on December 17, when he was sent to the stands for his reaction to a red card for Alex Kenyon.

Kenyon is now available to make his comeback having completed the suspension that resulted from that red card.

Cole Stockton, Ntumba Massanka, Alex Whitmore and James Jennings have all returned to their parent clubs with their loans at Morecambe having expired, while Aaron McGowan looks set to miss out after coming off injured in Monday's 0-0 draw with Crewe.

Alan Smith is set to take charge of his first game as Notts County's interim player-manager at Globe Arena.

John Sheridan was sacked following Monday's 4-0 defeat by Cambridge United, their ninth league loss in a row.

Winger Alex Rodman was released on Thursday and joined Shrewsbury Town, while defender Matt Tootle will hope to feature after missing the last two games with a knock.

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