ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman says his players still have a lot to play for this season.

Stanley crashed out of the President's Cup at the semi-final stage on Tuesday -- effectively ending their season -- but Coleman says the season is not over until the final ball is kicked.

"The season is over in that we haven't got anything left to play for," he said. "But the season is not over until after the last game. We are playing for pride and a lot of players are playing for their places next season.

"So in that respect there is everything to play for."

Coleman bemoaned Stanley's lack of luck after seeing yet another refereeing decision go against his side on Wednesday night.

"When the referee comes up to you after the game to apologise you know something is amiss.

"Mark Brennan was going in for a challenge and one of their guys just seemed to kick out at him. All our players went over to the referee but he played on, and then gave a penalty against Jimmy Bell.

"So not only could it have been a sending off but they equalised as well. I don't like to go on about it because it sounds like sour grapes but even the linesman said he saw it but was too far away.

"But that was only 1-1, we should have still gone on to win it.

"But the players seem to have lost the knack of winning. We went 1-0 up but I think it was nerves and a lack of confidence.

"That is something we are going to have to address next season.

"I think we will have to make a few signings this summer to strengthen the side."