ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman will pit his managerial wits against his former team-mate when Runcorn visit the Crown Ground tonight in the UniBond Premier Division.

Coleman used to play with former Barnet, Bury and Rochdale striker Mark Carter at Ashton United.

"I know 'Spike' well. He'll have Runcorn well-organised and they will be a strong side. I've had them watched and, like any team at this level, the forwards will be sharp, they will be busy and the movement will be good," said Coleman.

Runcorn will also field another face that will be familiar to Gigg Lane fans. Tony Rigby is in his first season at Canal Street after dropping out of League football around two seasons ago.

And he'll be up against another former Shaker, Mark Patterson, who signed for Stanley last week, and played in Saturday's goalless draw at Whitby Town. "Mark did well. He adds experience and it's always good to have a left sided player," said Coleman.

The only doubt for Stanley is winger Mark Shirley who took a knock on Saturday.

Stanley have averaged around a 700 crowd at the Crown Ground this season and after such a good start -- three wins, one loss and a draw -- are hoping to attract more supporters as they bid for a second successive promotion and make it to the Conference.

"We certainly give the fans value for money!" said the Stanley boss. "The aim is to win the League and to do this we need to pick up points at home.

"We have taken 10 points so far this season and if we do not get maximum points away, it is important to follow it up with points at home. That is why the Runcorn game is so important."

Tonight's fixtures: UniBond Premier Division; Stanley v Runcorn (7.45pm); AXA sponsored FA Cup preliminary round replays; Penrith v Darwen (7.45pm), Ramsbottom United v Gretna (7.45pm). NWCL First Division; Salford City v Rossendale United. Second Division; Bacup Borough v Daisy Hill, Castleton Gabriels v Nelson, Warrington Town v Padiham.