ACCRINGTON Stanley manager Coleman is confident the excitement of the FA Cup won't distract his troops as they get back to the nitty gritty of the league.

The Reds take on Gravesend and Northfleet at Stonebridge Road tomorrow with the camp still buzzing at the prospect of next week's first round tie at home to Huddersfield Town.

But Coleman, who will be without captain Peter Cavanagh and midfielder Andy Gouck while they serve a one-match ban, is confident his players will be fully focused against a side who have struggled at home this season.

"Everyone's been gripped by the cup game and I know it's difficult to put it to one side but you've got to," he said.

"Tomorrow's game isn't going to take care of itself, we've got to approach it right and I'm sure the lads will.

"Andy and Peter are suspended but we've got a big squad and hopefully whoever comes in will give a good account of themselves."

If Cup fever is to benefit in any way, Coleman hopes his players will raise their game as they bid to earn a coveted place in next Sunday's starting line-up.

"The one thing you can say about the Cup is that I'm sure the players will all be trying to give a good account of themselves so they get picked for the game," the Reds chief said.

And Coleman hopes that mentality will inspire them to pick up more points on their travels having won at Dagenham and Redbridge and drawn at Northwich and Halifax so far.

"We haven't won that many away from home, we've just got to try to approach the game in the right manner, which we will do by travelling down today," he said.

"We'll prepare properly and hopefully we'll be a little bit better than what we were last Saturday."

He added: "Gravesend did well when they got through the FA Cup against Exeter on penalties the other night and they might see that as a kick-start to the season.

"But you've got to hope that maybe they're a little bit tired from that and we've just got to guard against having our minds elsewhere and get it right for tomorrow.

"From all accounts they are well organised, big and strong and probably better than what their league position reflects, and that's probably true about three or four of the teams in our league.

"Two or three wins propels you to where we are now, that's how tight it is and that's why it's important you keep on picking up points because the minute you don't teams shoot past you."

Justin Jackson was hoping to have recovered from flu in time for the game, while John Durnin and Dean Calcutt are in contention after impressing in the reserves.

Durnin has been to the Far East with Liverpool's over 35s team, while Calcutt has recovered from a broken wrist.