RORY Prendergast's prized Leeds United poster could look a little worse for wear after tomorrow.

The Accrington Stanley winger has few pre-match superstitions, but akin to the Liverpool players slapping the "This is Anfield" sign on their way down the tunnel, Prendergast has made tapping his poster a ritual before travelling to a game.

And with the Reds' crucial play-off clash at home to rivals Morecambe tomorrow, the 25-year-old won't be taking any chances when he leaves his Yorkshire home for the Interlink Express Stadium.

For Prendergast believes that, with even more teams expected to be full-time in the Nationwide Conference, Stanley could not wish for a better time to be promoted than now.

"I think this could be our best chance," the former York City player said.

"Next year it will be an even tougher division with the likes of Kidderminster and Cambridge possibly coming down.

"No doubt they will have money pumped in to help them achieve promotion straight away, as Carlisle have this season. I know they've fallen away in recent weeks, but they're back in a good position now with nine games to go, and Exeter will come strong."

But Prendergast is confident that Stanley have got what it takes, mentally and physically, to survive the crucial run-in.

"We've got the bottle," he said.

"We've got it in us, both physically and mentally, to make the play-offs.

"Everyone is working so hard, which can't be said of all of the teams because, looking at Scarborough's and Burton's results recently it's as if they can't wait for the season to end and are just thinking about their summer holidays because they've got nothing to play for.

"But we've got plenty to play for and it's very important, especially beginning a run of four games in 10 days, that we win tomorrow.

"If we win, we've got another chance to keep going and secure a play-off spot.

"If we don't then things could be looking grim. If that happens we might have to win seven out of eight.

"But matches against Morecambe always mean more because of John Coleman's connection, so a win tomorrow would be a massive boost."

And Prendergast is hoping to play his part by rediscovering the form which has struck fear into defences on so many occasions in the Conference.

"I want to be playing as well as I know I can. At Forest Green I had an off day, then at Carlisle last Saturday, neither myself of Steve Flitcroft got a lot of the ball, but we will get those games," said Prendergast, who admitted that speculation linking him with moves to Port Vale and Bristol City had proved distracting, as had Stanley's constant movement in and out of the play-off zone.

"I haven't been at my best for the last couple of weeks

"But I'm halfway to my target of 10 goals for the season and I feel I can get them."

"Also, Grays Athletic look likely to get promoted from Conference South and Southport from Conference North