JOHN Coleman has hijacked Accrington Stanley reserves' clash to keep his first team fresh.

Stanley had a free weekend this week due to an odd number of teams in the league and the manager wanted to keep his players fit for the final matches of what looks set to be a successful season.

The Crown Ground outfit are 11 points clear at the top of the Unibond Premier Division after 31 games, and a coveted place in the Nationwide Conference looks ever nearer.

But Coleman had to take action when his side looked in danger of having a two-week break after their scheduled game with Worksop Town was threatened due to their involvement in the FA Trophy. However, Worksop were knocked out of the competition in midweek and are now free to play on February 22.

Nevertheless, Coleman wanted to keep his side focused.

"We're taking over the reserve fixture, which they've very kindly allowed us to do, so that will keep us ticking over," he said.

"They have had a decent season in the Lancashire League and play Conference reserve teams. Obviously they want to be playing every week, but they've accepted they are having a week off and we've arranged everything with the league.

"We're very lucky to have a squad of 20 who are all capable of challenging for a first team spot. They aren't just people who make up the numbers, and that will prove invaluable for the run-in to the end of the season."

Coleman added he was hoping the home game against Northwich reserves would still attract supporters to the Crown Ground.