ACCRINGTON Stanley could have a new defender by the weekend as injuries and suspensions play havoc with John Coleman's side.

Central defender Jonathan Smith is suspended - he misses his first game of the season - while Steve Hollis is injured and Robbie Williams is still on the road to recovery.

Coleman is still chasing a former League defensive midfielder who he could sign soon - but an out and out defender is now top of the priority list for Saturday.

Stanley are at home to Emley in the quarter-finals of the UniBond League Cup and they will be desperate to strengthen the backline.

"I am hoping to sign a Conference defender as we do need strength in depth in the defence," admitted the boss. "It is perhaps somewhere where we haven't got too much cover.

"I am still looking at the midfielder and something more might happen in the near future. We are looking at Conference players but we are also looking at players from the North West Counties upwards.

"Sometimes it is not always good to get a player on the way down as they don't always have the same hunger and commitment.

"Going higher is not always the answer but sometimes, in the lower divisions, they might not always have the quality. It is a fine balance but hopefully we'll keep finding it."

Stanley have profitted in both ways. Striker Lutel James has been a big hit with 20 goals this season since moving from Second Division Bury.

But left wingback Barrie Hart, from NWCL First Division side Clitheroe, is also standing out and, when he signed, Stanley went on an unbeaten run of 14 games without a loss before they came unstuck at Burscough a few weeks ago - although they did bounce back with a win over Hyde last Friday.

Stanley are expecting a bumper crowd at the Crown Ground on Saturday for the biggest competition in the UniBond League.

Blackburn are at Millwall in the FA Cup and Burnley do not play until Sunday at Cheltenham so the Reds are hoping some of the fans will lend their support at the Crown Ground.

"It is a big game for us but every game is. We would love to win some silverware but we are a long way off yet," said the boss.

"It is an attractive game. We have good support already and it would be great to get a few more, especially as it is the Cup."