Strength in depth gives Accrington Stanley boss a big boost

The Reds climbed to fourth in the League Two table after coming from behind to beat the East Anglians at the Abbey Stadium. Shay McCartan, Terry Gornell and Andy Procter came off the bench to secure a fourth win from five matches.

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And Coleman says having such quality on the bench is helping Stanley to maintain their top-seven challenge.

The Accrington boss said: “I was speaking to a chap who is a Preston North End fan and comes to watch us when Preston are away. One of the things he said to me was that we have never had this kind of strength on our bench. He is probably right.

“We are lucky in the fact that we have experienced pros and they are rallying behind the lads when they are not playing rather than letting it affect them. I think the other lads appreciate that.

“They are really important for the spirit of the camp and we need players ready and available for the first team at the drop of a hat — and that is what we have.

“At the moment it is all going all right but we will have to see what happens when we face some adversity, which I am sure we will before the end of the season.”

And Coleman believes such strength in depth will serve them particularly well at the Wham Stadium.

He said: “It is becoming increasingly difficult because teams know what we are about and the onus is on us to win the game because we are expected to win at home whoever we play against.

“It is a compliment when teams come here to contain us but they do not necessarily shut up shop. I expect Hartlepool to pose their own threat going forward.

“They have some good players.

“I know (Hartlepool boss) Ronnie (Moore) really well and I know the way he sets his sides up so I am expecting a really difficult game as I always do.

“I am sure everyone in League Two is in the same boat. Everyone knows that if you are not at your best you do not win games at this level.”