ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman admitted he was in no mood to join in the Christmas celebrations this year.

But he will be full of festive cheer if his side can get their League Two programme back on track at Grimsby this afternoon.

While many were tucking into their Christmas fare of turkey with all the trimmings, the Reds squad were put through their paces as they attempt to bounce straight back from Saturday's disappointing defeat by Shrewsbury.

And Coleman admitted, after surrendering their goal advantage against the Shrews, there were few reasons to be cheerful.

He said: "It's not particularly one of my favourite times of the year, so I just like to concentrate on the football and, for me, this is a chance to play a few games and get some points under our belt.

"It's going to be a very difficult game (Grimsby). It took me a few days to get over the Shrewsbury defeat and we've worked really hard on the training ground to get things right.

"The players were in on Christmas Eve and Christmas day for normal training sessions."

"It was a very disappointing game (Shrewsbury) and one we shouldn't have lost. But unfortunately it was similar problems that have plagued us all season that happened again.

"It's lucky that we've got a few games coming up so we can try to put it right as quickly as possible. And, all being well, we can do that."

Saturday was Stanley's seventh home reversal of the season as they struggle to transfer their fine away form back to the Fraser Eagle Stadium.

Ironically, their best home win of the current campaign came against today's opponents, when they hammered the Mariners 4-1 back in September, courtesy of a double from midfielder Andy Procter and a brace from Paul Mullin.

However, Coleman insists it doesn't matter where they play, home or away, their must-win attitude remains the same.

He added: "Wherever we play we want to do our best. We'll go out with a game plan and prepare properly for what will be a tough game.

"Grimsby scrapping for points like everyone else. We know about eachother and they're a good side that likes to get the ball down and play a bit so I'm sure it will be an entertaining match.

"Everyone is disappointed that we've let a lead slip again at home. I think that's the sixth time this season.

"It's disappointing but you can't mope around and sit and sulk.

"We're going to show them the video from Saturday a few times and show them where they can improve."

Coleman is without long-term injury victims Kenny Arthur and Peter Cavanagh.