STEVE BOTT previews the big FA Umbro Trophy clash between Radcliffe Boro and Accrington Stanley

PAUL Mullin returns to Stainton Park on Saturday hoping to score the goals that will fire Accrington Stanley into the second round of the FA Umbro Trophy.

Mullin left Radcliffe Boro last year in a £15,000 switch to UniBond Premier Division neighbours Accrington Stanley and on Saturday Mullin will lead the Reds attack, subject to a fitness check, against his old mates.

There's an intriguing comparison in prospect, for Mullin was a much-loved goalscorer with the Boro and there are bound to be lots of comments about how he rates against Boro's latest hotshot star, Jody Banim.

Banim, picked up from Rossendale in the summer, has fired in 17 goals so far this season and is the talk of the UniBond League. But Mullin is set on making just as big a name for himself with Stanley.

Pre-season the Reds had hoped that they could make it into the non-League's top flight, but it appeared to have gone pear-shaped after six losses in the UniBond Premier League campaign so far.

But striker Mullin still thinks there is a chance Stanley could win the title.

"When it gets to Christmas and the pitches start cutting up more, then I think the sides at the bottom will take points off sides at the top," said the 27-year-old. "Then it could be thrown wide open.

"There was probably a bit of pressure on us at the start of the season and we had a few new players coming into the team. They were still finding their feet in the first games, but things have gradually got better.

"The whole team has improved. We have certainly not given up hope and we will keep trying."

"It has been an impressive start to the Crown Ground season for Mullin, who came from Radcliffe Borough last season in a five-figure deal.

He has scored 14 goals so far -- and he doesn't feel he has reached his peak this term. "I scored 20 throughout the whole of last season so I am well on course for beating that. I think my record for a season is 24.

"It's usually Christmas before I get 14, so I am well ahead of schedule.

"And I don't think I am playing well yet. I missed most of pre-season because of work commitments and I think I am just getting there now.

"But things just seem to be falling for me this season. I don't know why. I just seem to get the chances and I can put them away -- except the one the other Wednesday night!"

Mullin scored one in the 2-1 UniBond Challenge Cup victory over Burscough, but missed an open goal in the second half.

"That was a nightmare. I don't want to mention that," he laughed.

But some of Mullin's goals can go down to the strike partnership with former Bury forward Lutel James who himself has found the back of the net 13 times this season.

"I played with Sparky (Mark Ceraolo) and Gary Williams last season and they are two good players and perhaps Lutel gives us another option," said Mullin.

"His pace makes up for my lack of it!"

The game against league leaders Burton Albion was a test of Stanley's title credentials and although they lost 3-1 -- to two late goals -- Mullin feels the Reds were more or less on a level pegging with them.

"They are a good side and we conceded two late goals, but we aren't too far off. It was the first time I have played in front of a crowd like that for Stanley -- there was around 1400 on -- and that is worth a goal for them.

"We just couldn't hang on for a draw, but I know it will be an entertaining game when they come here and I think we can get a result." The aim now is to get back on a run as Mullin aims to play at the highest level he can.

"This is the highest I have played in non-League football and of course I would love to play in the Conference with the grounds and the crowds.

"The aim is always to play as high as you can.

"We have got to go on a run now and make sure we keep in touch with the teams at the top.

"There is really a desire to go up here, you can sense it from the players, to the manager and the people behind the scenes. Everyone wants the club to do well."

Mullin may well be joined in the bid to dump Boro by another Radcliffe old boy, midfield man Simon Carden.

Carden followed Mullin to the Crown Ground in a £8,000 move and has been a regular in the side ever since.

Boro manager Kevin Glendon reported no obvious injury worries after Tuesday's excellent 2-1 win at Gretna, but awaits checks at training tonight before finalising his line-up.

All in all, it promises to be an intriguing clash with Mullin, James and Carden adding the spice for Stanley and Banim and high-riding Boro packing plenty of punch for the home side.

A bumper crowd is expected. Stanley have consistently attracted good gates and are expected to bring a largew following.

Anything up to 500 spectators are anticipated for the game which kicks-off at 3pm.