JOHN Coleman rarely misses the opportunity of a trip down Memory Lane, and this afternoon’s game at York City provides him with another.

Accrington Stanley’s return to the Football League as Conference champions was confirmed at Woking on Saturday April 15, 2006.

But less than a month earlier, Saturday March 25 was the day that Coleman felt his Reds put one foot in League Two, at the then Kit Kat Crescent.

Clayton Donaldson put the Minstermen in front but Paul Mullin equalised with the first of his two goals either side of Andy Bishop restoring York’s lead. But a David Brown penalty for the Reds and an Ian Craney strike wrapped things up.

“I think I’ve only played there a couple of times since,” said Coleman.

“But whenever you’re feeling low you can get the 17 minutes on YouTube and it doesn’t half pick you up - the goals in that game.”

Mullin’s first came from David Brown’s flick-on of a Gary Roberts cross.

Brown scored from the spot after Roberts’ centre cannoned off arm of right back Jamie Price, sending goalkeeper Chris Porter the wrong way.

Roberts was involved in Stanley’s third goal, supplying the corner that Mullin glanced in.

And, with on-loan Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Rob Elliot making some crucial saves throughout the course of the game, it laid the platform for Craney to finish the job in fabulous fashion, after Mullin nodded down on Danny Ventre’s throw-in.

Craney ran the full length of the field to celebrate with the travelling ‘Stanley Ultras’ and the Reds stretched their lead at the top of the Conference to 14 points after Elliot saved an Andy Bishop penalty and nearest challengers Hereford losing 1-0 at home to Kidderminster.

“That was probably the day that we arrived as a Football League club. I think that was the day that cemented our promotion,” said Coleman.

“I know everyone talks about Woking but that was the day, particularly with Hereford losing that day.

“That put us in an insurmountable position in my eyes, and I’ve still got fond memories of that game.

“When you look at the clips again on YouTube we were brilliant on the day, and I hope we can get a repeat performance.”

If Stanley are successful, it will be the first time in three visits since as Coleman prepares for his first visit to York as Stanley boss since their Conference winning season.

The Reds boss will run late checks on his players before naming his starting XI.

Dean Winnard is doubtful and we’ve got a couple down with illness but we’ve got enough in the squad to cope,” he said.

Stanley played York for the first time this season after the League Two rivals were drawn together in the FA Cup first round, with the Reds winning 3-2.