ACCRINGTON Stanley need to win tonight to ensure they reach the quarter-finals of the UniBond League Challenge Cup.

The Reds currently occupy top spot in Group Four and victory over First Division leaders Radcliffe Borough will mean they will qualify for the last 16 in the most prestigious competition.

The team which finishes second and third - with Chorley and Rossendale in Group Four - will qualify for the President's Cup and Chairman's Cup respectively.

The Reds have already faced Kevin Glendon's side twice this season in the Umbro Trophy - winning the replay at the Crown Ground.

Glendon will be missing tomorrow as he has been diagnosed as suffering from a suspected heart scare and cannot come anywhere near a football pitch until after Christmas.

Mick Farrelly, his assistant, looks likely to step in.

Coleman has used the competition to give some of his players a run out but he knows reaching one of the top cup competitions in the league is important.

"We want to win as it is the main competition. We will be playing too win although we have a few injuries to contend with."

Steve Flitcroft is struggling with a strain in recent weeks and could miss the game despite getting through Saturday's 5-1 victory over Bradford Park Avenue.

Dave Robinson was on the bench for that game as Coleman did not want to risk him as he returns from a spell on the sidelines while Mark Shirley is still struggling with a calf injury.

There is better news for defender Robbie Williams though. After starting the season, he has missed a number of games with a knee injury.

"He is going to see a specialist and although it is getting better it is still not right," added Coleman.

Saturday's win over the Yorkshire side moved the Reds up to third in the UniBond Premier League.

Stanley have played more games than the chasing pack but Coleman has no doubt they will stay the pace.

"All the top sides have still to play each other so we are not worried about them.

"We have always known we are a top three side in the league but we have lost games we shouldn't have done.

"But there is no point looking back, that can do your head in, now we are looking forward."

And they won't be worried if they get a penalty. Up until last week they had had one all season - in the opening game.

They got their second against Altrincham last week in the FA Umbro Trophy second round replay - and Peter Cavanagh missed it before the Reds lost in a penalty shoot-out.

So when they were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute against Bradford PA, there was a slight worry.

"Luckily Lutel James kept his cool though," laughed the Reds chief. "I knew he would and he struck it well."

Meanwhile Nelson will be hoping to finally get their Worthington Cup first round clash against First Division Atherton LR out of the way.

It has been postponed three times - once for a Vase replay and twice for the weather - but it set to take place at Victoria Park tonight.