ACCRINGTON Stanley are refusing to let England's Euro 2000 battle with Scotland distract them from their goal of getting back into the UniBond Premier Division.

The kick off times of practically every other senior game in the country have been adjusted this weekend to avoid clashing with Sky TV's coverage of the battle of Britain.

But while the rest of the nation are getting carried away in all the media hype, Stanley officials are focusing all their attention on matters closer to home.

And as a consequence, their vital UniBond First Division clash against Matlock at the Crown Ground will go ahead at 3pm as usual in a bid to give manager John Coleman and his squad the best preparation possible.

Commercial director John DeMaine explained: "This is our biggest game of the season so far as both teams are doing well.

"And those three points could be worth their weight in gold to us come the end of the season.

"So why should our management team and playing staff change their meticulous matchday routine just to suit the needs of the television people?

"Make no mistake about it, television and the vast amount of money made from it are the only reason why they've decided to play this game on a Saturday and mess up the rest of the fixtures.

"But this club values John Coleman, Jimmy Bell and the lads far more than making a fast buck. "They are without doubt the best managers and team to grace this ground for many seasons.

"The team spirit is the best I've ever seen and as far as I'm concerned nothing should disrupt their preparations for this game."

Both sides go into the clash boasting proud records, with Stanley having lost just once in 11 and Matlock tasting defeat just once in 14.

And with just seven points now separating Stanley from second place, there's plenty at stake for Coleman's free scoring Reds.

Yet despite the counter attraction of the Scotland-England clash, DeMaine still believes the fans will turn out in force to see if Stanley can take another giant step towards their goal of promotion.

"There are still going to be non-League fans in the area looking for a game to go to tomorrow afternoon," said DeMaine.

"And with Blackburn not playing at all and Burnley playing on Sunday we might get a few of their fans here as well. "But we will still be televising the other game on the big screen in the club.

"So if anyone wants to come down and watch it then they are more than welcome." Coleman has something of a selection headache ahead of tomorrow's clash, however.

Star striker Gary Williams looks set to miss the game after dislocating his shoulder during the Reds brilliant 3-1 victory over Hyde United in the UniBond League Challenge Cup on Monday night.

And hat-trick hero Mark Ceraolo is also doubtful after sustaining a heavy knock in the same game.

Karl Bell and Mark Howard are also struggling with knee and ankle problems respectively.

But Brett Baxter could be fit to return.

Coleman is still confident his side will have enough about them to get a result, though.

"We are starting to get a bit of confidence together now as the lads are getting used to playing together," said Coleman.

"But we are not under any illusions about the size of the task.

"Matlock are a well organised side and they've made a couple of signings so it's going to be a tough one for us."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.