TRUE blue Jim Bentley wants to paint Lancaster City's Giant Axe red on Saturday, just so Morecambe's fans can claim the pub bragging rights.
The Shrimps' skipper is aware of the importance of every game but says the local derby in the FA Trophy fourth round is huge for everyone, especially the two sets of fans, who live, work and drink with each other.
"We are chasing promotion and we are in a few cups but a local derby is a bit special for the fans," says Bentley.
"Being from Liverpool and being an Everton fan I know just what a win over your local rivals means if you win then the bragging rights are great, but it's not too hot if you get beaten."
In Morecambe's list of priorities the Trophy obviously comes behind the chance of promotion into the Football League.
But the big defender adds: "I want to win every game I play in and now, because the Conference is so tight, every game is a cup final.
"It doesn't matter if it's a league game, a Lancashire Cup game or the Trophy we want to win every match because that's a good habit.
"But it will be tough on Saturday. Lancaster will be up for it for the derby but so will we. I am looking forward to it because a derby adds extra atmosphere."
Bentley goes on: "I would like to see Lancaster City in the Conference because I am sure the fans would like to see two games a season between the sides.
"I wish City all the best after Saturday and it would be good to see them do well."
The clash is a case of friends reunited with Lancaster's ex-Shrimps Ryan-Zico Black, Neil Uberschar, Peter Thomson and Ryan Elderton keen to try and shoot their old club out of the competition.
"It will be a cracker and we have a good chance, especially at the Giant Axe," says Black, who played 140 games for the Shrimps.
Black is gunning for his old mates in the clash and adds: "It will be strange playing against so many of the lads again. I am looking forward to it and I think that with the game being down at our place we have a good chance of getting something out of it.
"Morecambe are the Conference side so they will be favourites but we will be up for it."
City boss Phil Wilson accused some of his players of taking their eye off the ball during a 4-0 thrashing at Altrincham at the weekend.
But Black adds: "That is out of our system now we were poor and can't afford to play like that again.
"But for me this is a big, big game against Morecambe. I was happy there and the manager didn't want me to leave but I felt that I needed to be playing regularly and I have that chance with City "Ever since I joined people have made me feel welcome from the manager to the players to the fans.
"And it would be great for them if we could do the business on Saturday."
Bentley is also looking forward to seeing old friends again, although they will be foes for 90 minutes.
"I know Zico, Ry Elderton and Urbs quite well," says Bentley. "I didn't play with Pete Thomson but he is handy and they will been keen. I am matey with Gary Bauress and Tony Sullivan as well so they may have one or two things to say."
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