A FEAR factor is holding a telling grip over Accrington Stanley's race for a Conference place.

While the squad is happy to work for manager John Coleman, there is not one of the Reds squad labouring under the misapprehension that their place is secure - despite a 100 per cent record in their opening nine UniBond League matches.

And that applies even to players with a wealth of Football League experience like midfielder Mike Marsh and defender Mark Sertori.

"There can be no letting up where Coley's concerned," said Sertori, who played with a clutch of League sides over a decade before joining Stanley from Altrincham in the summer.

"The moment you show a sign of thinking you're too good he will be turning round and going 'You think you're all that, you think so?' and you won't be in the side.

"To be honest myself and Marshy and the other lads here who have League experience knew that before we came here.

"We are all still hungry and ambitious to win this league, and we know that if we let things slide we won't be in the side.

"We are all geared up to have a go to win this league and that is why we are all here."

Game number 10 in the UniBond top flight sees Stanley take on Wakefield and Emley at the Crown Ground (3pm) and Sertori knows that the pressure will be on the home side.

"Wakefield are a good side, I know that from playing with Alty last season, but the main problem is that we now have a reputation," he explained.

"With every game the attitude of the side we are facing next is that THEY are going to be the ones to bring it all to an end.

"We can only deal with the next game that is put in front of us and try to carry on doing what we are doing, but at the moment it is all about keeping our feet on the ground and making sure we continue to do the job right - as we have been."

Meanwhile, John Coleman is getting used to celebrity status at the Crown Ground.

Sky TV and BBC have been filming at the club this week as the Reds go for their tenth straight league win.

"For some reason, 10 sounds so much more then nine. But Wakefield and Emley are a funny side. They have been in this league a long time and are usually around the top.

"They are always capable. Michael Reynolds is a tricky winger and Andrew Nesbitt is back from injury and he is a danger.

"They lost to Gainsborough midweek and I could have really done with them winning but we'll be up for it."

Peter Cavanagh and Simon Carden are hoping to shake off a flu bug while winger Dean Calcutt and Dave Robinson (both groin) are definitely out.

And the Reds were hoping to sign a new keeper in former Ashton United shot-stopper Dave Pearce this week. Pearce, 26, played under Coleman at Ashton.

The nine so far....

RUNCORN (H) 2-1

COLWYN BAY (A) 2-1

MARINE (A) 3-0

FRICKLEY (H) 2-1

HARROGATE (A) 2-0

VAUXHALL (H) 2-1

STALYBRIDGE (A) 4-1

BARROW (H) 2-1

DROYSDEN (H) 2-1