IT'S been a while since Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman had to pick his side up after a defeat.

But the Reds boss doesn't think he'll have any problem getting them motivated as they return to Conference action tomorrow.

Coleman is still recovering from the disappointment of getting knocked out of the FA Trophy at Conference North side Worksop Town on penalties, after Tuesday night's replay ended in a 1-1 draw, bringing an end to their 17-game unbeaten run.

It was a competition that he was desperate to win to put his table toppers in with a chance of doing the double this season.

But they are still unbeaten in 12 Conference outings and must now concentrate on their main aim of winning the title.

"It's a case of having to bounce back," Coleman said.

"We never go into games feeling sorry for ourselves.

"It's an important game tomorrow and the lads will be up for it.

"We were very disappointed on Tuesday night because I don't think the players wanted it as much as I wanted it, and I wouldn't like the same thing to happen with the league.

"But we are still upbeat and I'm pleased with the way the lads have responded in training.

"We've got good players and they haven't become bad ones overnight."

Captain Peter Cavanagh looks set to miss tomorrow's game against mid-table Dagenham, while fellow full back Leam Richardson has a 50-50 chance of making a comeback from a hamstring injury.

Steve Jagielka is set to be sidelined for at least another fortnight, however, as he will undergo a minor knee operation today.