ACCRINGTON Stanley will go into tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy first round tie at home to League One Carlisle without three suspended players after they opted not to appeal against Kevin Long’s red card at Barnet.
Stanley boss John Coleman had hinted at the weekend that he felt he would be justified to appeal Long’s sending off for a professional foul after insisting that the on-loan Burnley centre back was fouled first.
But Coleman was also wary that the Reds rarely win appeals and the club have decided not to contest the one-match ban, which will only see Long ruled out for tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy game against the holders of the competition.
Charlie Barnett starts a three-match ban after being sent off for a dangerous challenge, while Nat Taylor is serving a 35-day suspension for a red card with Accrington and Rossendale College last season. Stanley were aware of the ban before it kicked in last week.
Tonight’s game kicks off at 7.45pm, with the winners at home to Tranmere, and Coleman may give opportunities to some of his fringe players.
Second instalment of our three-part Paul Mullin story only in today's Lancashire Telegraph newspaper.
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