PAUL Mullin is still hoping to score the goals to fire Accrington Stanley into the Nationwide Conference.

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 four-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 on 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 it 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."

Stanley continue their charge when they welcome Bishop Auckland to the Crown Ground tomorrow, the team in ninth place, just one ahead of the Reds.

Manager John Coleman is waiting on the fitness of skipper Jay Flannery, Russell Payne and Peter Cavanagh, who hurt his ankle in the Burton clash.

"We are waiting for them but it is good as we have the likes of Gareth Strange and Anthony Bowden waiting on the sidelines."

Both youngsters, former youth players at Man United and Burnley respectively, played against Buscough and Coleman was impressed.

"I thought Gareth stuck to his task while Anthony did really well. We have started to defend better now and it is nice to have players who can come in."

Coleman has come on himself in the last two games - but don't expect a comeback from the frontman.

"I don't want to play myself. I've been forced into it because of injuries and suspensions. You do notice a few more things when you are playing but I prefer to do my job on the bench."