Reds aim to beat the fear factor

The Reds manager is eyeing up the chance to go third in the Nationwide Conference tomorrow when they entertain Northwich Victoria in a re-arranged fixture.

And while he admits his side can be a match for anyone in the league, there is one team he is wary of.

"The team we have to fear most at the moment is ourselves," said Coleman on the back of a miserly month of October in which Stanley have recorded only one win.

"There are no easy games in the Conference, that's a fact.

"But the minute you start thinking there are easy games is when you fall flat on your face."

He added: "In my managerial career I've had quite a few black Octobers.

"But I wouldn't say this is the worst spell. When I first took over we took five points out of five games and didn't do particularly well.

"It's just a case of believing what you're doing is right and eventually your luck will change and you'll start winning games.

"I think there are quite a few clubs who would change places with Accrington Stanley at the moment."

Nevertheless, nothing less than a win will do for Coleman against Conference strugglers Vics tomorrow, especially with throwing away two points at Wincham Park earlier this season still fresh in his memory.

"If we were to go third I think it would give everyone in the town a lift," said the Reds boss, whose future at the Interlink Express Stadium has come into question from some quarters.

"I'm not hurt by the criticism - people are entitled to their opinion," Coleman said.

"The players are still bubbly. I'm quite an upbeat character and I think that reflects on the lads.

"It's just disappointing, going back to the Leigh game, I think that's the flattest we've ever been as a team.

"Sometimes you can't understand why.

"But if you dwell on that, things only get worse. You've got to try to pick yourselves up and go and perform.

"I think we did that in the last two games, albeit without getting the results that we wanted.

"If you start turning in positive performances, eventually you'll start winning when you're playing well.

"It's difficult to put your finger on what's been wrong, a lack of confidence, you don't know.

"But you have to keep going and you have to keep working hard and you'll come through it."

He added: "Someone who I was talking to recently reckoned Bob Paisley always said the first-time professionals always hit a brick wall at the end of October and come through it in November, so hopefully he's got it spot-on."

Meanwhile, Coleman hopes the supporters will continue to do their bit to revive Stanley from their recent slumber and get behind his side.

"I don't think the fans will have gone home disappointed last week, apart from not winning.

"There was extremely good endeavour from the players, a good spirit and a good performance. But for a bit of luck we might have won the game.

"The crowd was a lot more positive last Saturday, which I think reflected on the players' performance."

STANLEY were hoping to add young Manchester City goalkeeper Ashley Timms to their squad ahead of tomorrow's game.

Timms was expected to play in the reserves game at home to Guiseley Reserves at Great Harwood Town's Showground tonight (kick-off 7.30pm).

Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme's loan spell ended last weekend so Coleman was eager to secure back-up for Danny Alcock while first choice stopper Jon Kennedy is sidelined with a broken leg.

Coleman did make efforts to sign former Burnley keeper Paul Crichton but he opted to stay with Leigh RMI.

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"A lot of it ill-informed but they can think what they want and say what they want.

"At the end of the day I'm employed to do a job here and ifd they were better qualified they would be doing the job instead of me.

"We'll play to our strengths no matter who we play.

"Steve's done well since he came back in.

"I tried not to put too much pressure on himwhen he came back in but he knows it's a big period for him.

"He will either make or break his career with Accrington.

"When we send people out on loan it's to get them playing again.

"Steve's no exception. He's waited for his chance and he's taken it to a certain extent. Hopefully he'll keep on taking it.

"It's no secret that Cav's been struggling with his tow but I think for large periods they've defended well together as a unit and I think they will only get stronger.

"I was going to sign Paul Crichton but he's going to stay at Leigh.

"I'm still after players.

"I watch games every week to Coca Cola League games, Conference North, UniBond, all the reserve league games.

"But it's difficult getting players.

"I've never been overly enamoured with loan deals.

"It's noy been my style.

"We've had to use them this year but I don't really like them.

"I think they work just as hard when they're on loan but it's always in the back of your mind that they're not going to be with you.

"Chris Butler's getting stronger. He's a good footballer and hopefully he'll do enough in the next couple of weeks to warrant a contract.

"They've got a few players who'll be up for the game, but really we're not too concerned about them.

"If the team I put out performs we're a match for anybody.

"Ian Craney's obviously been on England duty.

"I don't think it would have done anyone any good if he'd have gone.

"There are one or two players carrying knocks

"It's not ideal being without him all week but it's good for the player and it's good for the club.

"Rory's at Lilleshall for another week so hopefully he'll come back from that stronger."