CONFERENCE football could beckon for Accrington Stanley at the end of next season if the players show a bit more self belief.

That is the verdict of boss John Coleman after he watched his side beat one of the main contenders for the UniBond Premier League title next season, Lancaster City.

The Dollies are currently in second spot - well adrift of leaders Burton - but Stanley staged a remarkable recovery to come back from 2-0 down on Wednesday night and score an injury time winner through Paul Burns.

"I never think we are dead and buried in games," said the gaffer, whose side now lie in fifth place. "We just have to make sure we keep believing. The players have got to make sure they believe in themselves.

"You don't often come from two goals down especially against a quality side like Lancaster. We lost our composure in the first half but we kept battling and we have got to make sure we do that all the time.

"On the balance of play I think we deserved the win and I think it will be a huge boost for the lads.

"That is four wins on the trot now - by the odd goal which is unusual for us - and we have got to carry this on until the end of the season and take it into next season.

"I have always believed we are a good side and the players have got to believe in themselves and their ability.

"We have got the quality all over the park and we now have strength in depth. We have got players who can make an impact, even those on the bench."

One of the players who did make a late impact was substitute Burns who, at 34, had talked about packing it all in at the end of the season when his contract is up. "We will sit down and have a talk to Paul in the summer," said Coleman. "There are a couple of things which could influence the decision.

"He has been dogged by injuries this season on both his ankles and I have felt sorry for him as at times he has taken one step forward and two steps back.

"He is a good professional in everything he does. He came on for 20 minutes against Lancaster and made a big impact.

"He tries to keep the ball and hold it up and when he is on the pitch our percentage of possession goes up.

"It may not always be spectacular but he gives the players in the last third a chance to get the ball and show their quality."

Coleman will be having another chance to assess his squad tomorrow when they make the trip to Bishop Auckland, who are at the wrong end of the table.

"We haven't really done too well on our trips to the North East this season, although we did draw at Blyth and Gateshead but we are on a roll."

And he may be forced to make one change with goalkeeper Jamie Speare, who hasn't missed a game this season, struggling with a groin strain.

He pulled up towards the end of the Lancaster game and reserve shot-stopper Danny Thorpe, who is only a young lad signed from North West Counties outfit Daisy Hill, could stake his claim.

"We have confidence in Danny to come in and do a job," said Coleman. "It is a shame if Jamie does miss out as he has pulled off some world class saves in the last few games."

THE UniBond League Cup final with Bradford PA will be a two legged affair with the first leg at Bradford provisionally pencilled in on either April 9 or April 30 - it is still up in the air at the moment. "Neither side really wanted it to be decided at the toss of the coin at one of the grounds so two legs is the best idea," said Coleman.

The Lancashire Marsden Cup final could be at Morecambe and could be on April 24 - that is expected to be confirmed this weekend.