Trophy tie will rekindle good memories for Blues coach Mark Bentley

Bentley scored his first home goal for the Shrimpers in a memorable 3-2 win against Darlington back in 2004 before also netting in an important 2-0 victory against the same opposition the following season.

But he will now be looking to influence things from the dug-out when the Quakers return for a fourth round tie.

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“In my playing days at Southend my first home goal was against Darlington and it’s one of the favourite goals in my career as well,” recalled Bentley.

“It was a special goal for me to score and I managed to pop up with one the following season against Darlington as well.

"They’re a team I always liked to play against and I always seemed to do OK against them so hopefully tomorrow will be the same.

“Those days as a player are over now unfortunately though so it’s all about Saturday and it will be a really difficult test for us.

“Darlington are doing well in their league so it’s going to be a tough one.

“They’ve got real firepower and we certainly won’t be taking them for granted.”

Bentley - who made 107 appearances for the Shrimpers - returned to the club in October 2021 to work alongside his former team-mate Kevin Maher.

And Bentley is still relishing his role in the backroom team.

“Every day is a learning day and I’m loving every minute of it,” said Bentley.

“The group we’re working with are very good.

“You couldn’t wish for a more honest group of lads and they all want to learn and get better.

"We’ve got targets to reach in terms of what we do and we want to keep on building momentum.

“We had a bit of a sticky spell but the last couple of weeks have been positive and we want to kick on now. “

The Shrimpers have certainly improved under the current coaching regime and currently sit sixth in the National League standings.

But attention now turns towards the FA Trophy and Bentley remains eager to advance.

“We’ll be taking it seriously, why wouldn’t you?,” said the 44-year-old.

“We’d love to go and win it but every team still in it will be thinking the same way.

“It’s a good distraction from the league but we’re in a good position in that as well.

“The last two results have been positive but we go into every game looking to win it and Saturday will be no different.

“We’ve got good competition for places and there are good headaches for Kev and us as coaching staff.”

The Shrimpers will be mulling over their team selection again at training on Friday.

But Bentley is determined to enjoy a long run in the competition in a bid to make up for one of the most painful moments of his career.

“Wembley is a sore subject for me,” said Bentley.

“I got there with Gillingham for the play-off final and spent 90 minutes on the bench after playing a lot of games that season.

"It’s a bittersweet memory for me as I know I played a part in that promotion side but I’d love to go back there now as a coach and sweep that one under the carpet.”