ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman is set to give his players an extra day off this week as they prepare for the crucial FA Cup first-round clash with Tranmere.

Stanley have just come through a period of five games in 15 days but are now set to host League One side Tranmere on Saturday in a cup tie worth £20,000 in prize money to the winners.

The Reds have lost only one of their last five matches, drawing 0-0 at Dagenham and Redbridge at the weekend, but Coleman has dismissed suggestions that the cup will be a breather from the league.

“It’s not like when we were in the UniBond with the Lancashire Cup or the Presidents Cup,” he said.

“The pressure is on you all the while and possibly a tad more this week with the financial gains.

“The players had a long trip at the weekend so we’ll maybe give them an extra day off this week to try to prepare them.”

And Coleman has paid tribute to the 59 fans who braved torrential conditions at Dagenham.

He said: “They were magnificent and I’m sorry I didn’t go on and get my shoes dirty to give them a clap.”