GO-AHEAD UniBond Club Accrington Stanley are preparing themselves for two crucial battles which could shape the club's future both on and off the pitch.

Tomorrow, Stanley face a vital clash in their battle for promotion when league-leaders Burscough visit the Crown for a potential championship decider.

A victory for John Coleman's men would put them back in the driving seat after successive goalless draws.

Then 10 days later, it's D-day in the club's bid to build an all-weather pitch on land adjacent to the Crown Ground.

Hyndburn Council's development committee will decide on whether or not to approve plans for the £50,000 project on April 19.

Local residents are opposing the venture, claiming the new facility would cause noise and light pollution as well as extra traffic problems.

But Stanley commercial manager, John De Maine, today moved to ease their fears, insisting the facility will benefit the community as a whole.

"We've done our homework and we don't think it will create any problems.

"But, whatever happens, we certainly don't want to alienate the local community -- we want to provide a facility for them."

"All we want is the support of the people of Hyndburn -- not their money.

"This facility won't cost the taxpayers a penny because the club are funding it themselves. "It's a proven fact that there is a shortage of facilities like this in the Hyndburn area.

"But it's certainly not just a money-making scheme.

"It's a facility for the whole community to use -- and not just for football.

"A total of 13 different sports could be accommodated and we want to get as many school children involved as possible.

"Ultimately, we want to bring a community spirit to the club.

"Blackburn Rovers and Burnley have both managed to achieve that, so why can't Accrington Stanley?"

The Reds also intend to build a new stand adjacent to their existing one out of the proceeds from the sale of Gary Williams.

And they will submit those plans to Hyndburn Council within the next seven days.

Meanwhile, Stanley player-boss John Coleman is backing his side to start finding the net again at the expense of table-topping Burscough in tomorrow's promotion show-down.

Stanley haven't lost in the Unibond League First Division this year, although successive goalless draws see them go into tomorrow's big game in fourth place.

However, a win over leaders Burscough would put Stanley just three points behind with two games in hand as they chase a top-two slot.

And Coleman is confident that scoring goals won't be a problem.

He said: "It's not as if we're not creating chances. It's just that the ball isn't hitting the net.

"That can change. We've scored 70-odd goals this season so I'm not worried about droughts or anything. "Their goalkeeper was man-of-the-match again last weekend and that says it all. We've got more than enough in our armoury to end any barren spell."

Coleman is happy with Stanley's current position as they enter the final straight, particularly after a sluggish start to the season as the new boss tried to turn the club around.

"It's a great game for them as well because if they win it, it puts them firmly in the driving seat. So we are under no illusions and we are expecting a tough game.

"But we would have bought this position going into the last six games and with it in our hands. But we've got to take the final push," admitted Coleman, who is relishing the top-of-the-table clash.

"Every game is a big one for us to be honest. But I would rather have it that way than be in mid-table. If you were playing out the season in mid-table it would be pretty boring.

"Everyone is keyed up for all the games and there are a few nerves which gives great entertainment."

And Coleman believes his players have the mental strength to see it through.

"I would say so. Anyone in the top five that keeps their nerve will finish at the top and I wouldn't swap my squad for anyone else's up there," he said.

The two sides drew at Burscough way back in August when Stanley scored through Gary Williams.

And if they can turn one point into three with the help of home advantage, Coleman's men will be in a great position to regain their top-flight status.

"The support has been great. They haven't done much moaning and they've got behind the team," added the boss, who has a fully fit squad to select from with the exception of Paul Tomlinson.

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