ACCRINGTON STANLEY boss John Coleman may name himself in the starting line-up again for tomorrow's FA Cup first qualifying round tie at Consett.
Coleman led from the front in Monday night's 4-1 thrashing of Netherfield Kendal, scoring a screamer before making way for last season's top scorer Billy O'Callaghan.
That heralded Stanley's first win but Coleman insists he didn't include himself to make a point following a string of disappointing results.
"It wasn't really about that. Billy (O'Callaghan) was struggling a bit for match fitness, so I played to add a bit more physical presence and experience," said Coleman.
The Crown Ground chief admits Monday night's victory came as a relief after a sticky start.
And now he's looking to extend that winning sequence in the North East and set up a home tie against Whitby Town in the next round.
"I think Monday's result may prove to be a turning point for us confidence-wise.
"But there's still a lot of hard work to be done and we've got to build on that now.
"Consett are a well-organised side, though, and their pitch is supposed to be quite nice, so we won't be taking it lightly." Mark Brennan is still a week away from full fitness but Coleman reports no other injury problems apart from his long-term casualties.
ROSSENDALE UNITED face a lucrative home tie against UniBond Premier Division outfit Spennymoor United if they can see off Ossett Town in their FA Cup clash at Dark Lane.
But manager Micky Graham will need to raise his side's morale after Tuesday night's 4-1 home defeat against Clitheroe brought an end to United's unbeaten start. "That was disappointing but I think it's a blip because we've got a lot of good players at the club," said Graham.
"But I think Ossett came down to watch us on Tuesday night and I hope they've gone away feeling a bit too confident after seeing that.
"It's going to be tough because they're a UniBond side and they've got some experienced players.
"I watched them on Monday and they'll pose us a few problems at set-pieces but if we can handle that then I believe we can progress."
Simon O'Brien and Jerome Fitz- gerald are both doubtful after picking up knocks. NELSON can go top of the First North Western Trains Second Division if they beat Bacup in their derby clash at Victoria Park.
But manager John Bailey still believes his side are a couple of players short of being championship material despite an impressive start.
"We need another two or three players if we want to be the finished article," said the Blues boss.
"We're looking more solid at the back after signing Les Thompson and Ian Lang, and that's given us confidence through the rest of the team. "But we need to keep that going with another three points against Bacup."
Andy Haworth and Chris Halstead are both ruled out through injury and Craig Whittaker is suspended.
But assistant boss Nigel Coates is back after suffering from blood poisoning and Glenn Little has re-signed from Rossendale.
BACUP BOROUGH boss Brent Peters hopes Paul Moulden's four-goal salvo in a midweek practice match will act as a timely boost ahead of their trip to Nelson.
Borough have struggled to find the net so far this season but Moulden's sudden return to form may prove to be the shot-in-the-arm they need. "Tuesday night's match was a good exercise in getting some confidence back," said Peters.
"Paul scored four and seeing the ball hit the back of the net should give him a lift, because we haven't been taking our chances so far."
Peters watched Nelson beat Squires Gate 3-0 on Wednesday and he's anticipating a tough game.
"One thing they've got in their side which we lack, is pace.
"They've also got some experience in the likes of Rob Molloy and Les Thompson, so it's going to be tough."
Stuart Walters is out suspended but Jason Ross has returned to West View after a spell there last season.
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