ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman says friendship will be put to one side for 90 minutes today when his Reds side take on League One title-chasers Plymouth Argyle.

The Pilgrims are managed by Coleman’s good friend, and fellow Liverpudlian, Ryan Lowe and head north on a 15-match unbeaten run in the league.

WIthout defeat since the opening day against Rotherham, Coleman accepts Argyle will be a tough test but is determined to send his pal back to Devon disappointed.

Coleman told the Stanley club website: “I am good friends with Lowey, he has done really well at Plymouth.

“They have a lot of money to spend but it’s difficult to attract players to that part of the country, just geographically, it’s a lovely place.

“They have got a great support and they come in their droves when they are doing well, which they are.

“Plymouth pass the ball well, they take their chances, they have defended well this season which always give you a chance.

“If we had defended like they had, in terms of goals going in, we would be near the top as we have scored plenty of goals but they have only conceded around 14 this season in the league and that gives you a platform.

“They have only lost one and that’s how they have defended and organised themselves.

“One of my good friends, Brendan Grant, his son, Conor, also plays for them so it adds a bit of spice. I have known Conor since he was a baby and he is a great footballer and a nice lad.

“I am looking forward to the game, we have a couple of great games with them last year. I am looking forward to seeing Lowey and Conor as well and I hope it goes in our favour and it’s a good game.

“We have usually done well this season against the bigger teams. We are close to being a good team, the lads feel that, you always strive to be better.”

Stanley have had a mixed week – a disappointing FA Cup exit to Port Vale on Saturday was followed by a big 4-1 win at Fleetwood in the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday. And Coleman admits he is frustrated as he looks for some consistency from his side.

He added: “You look at the last few games and it’s all about putting the ball in the net, and it’s such a big influence on the way the game changes by scoring or going behind, it’s so crucial.

“Thankfully we put away our chances on Tuesday, we didn’t put easier chances away on Saturday. That’s the beauty of football. The team who plays the best doesn’t always win, that’s why you get upset.

“But the team who plays the best throughout the season generally wins the league as consistently you win more games than you don’t if you play well.”

Colby Bishop is suspended today and Matt Butcher and Joe Pritchard remain on the sidelines. Sean McConville has returned to training after illness, while David Morgan is touch and go after going over on his ankle in training.