ACCRINGTON Stanley’s Lancashire derby against Morecambe tomorrow has been hailed as ‘probably the biggest game the club has been involved in’ by boss John Coleman.

The Reds have moved into the automatic promotion spots in League Two thanks to a seven game unbeaten run which has yielded 17 points.

With five games to go, three of which at the Wham Stadium, Stanley have promotion in their own hands and a fourth consecutive home win over the Shrimps would edge them closer to League One.

While Stanley are now dreaming of a top three finish, Coleman is determined not to lose focus on the task directly ahead of his side.

“All your energy has to be focused on Saturday which is a massive game for us, probably the biggest game the club has been involved in, and we’ve got to treat it as such,” he said.

“For us it’s another chance to take a step towards what would be a remarkable achievement for that set of players.

“The players have got to embrace the thrill of it all, They’re in a top position in the league, they’ve fought all year for this, so enjoy it, enjoy the thrill, the buzz and the excitement.

“I’m telling them this but when I get on to the bench I’m finding it difficult to enjoy it, it’s a case of do as I say not as I do.

“We’ve got to enjoy it though. You have some really bad times in football when it’s backs to the wall and the pressure is on for a different reason.

“I just hope the crowd make it the special day it should be.”

Coleman is hoping the fans will be out in force on Saturday, like they were in the closing weeks of the Conference season a decade ago when Stanley last achieved promotion.

“When things have come within touching distance at Accrington the people have come out and the public have taken us all by surprise, so I just hope there’s enough tickets printed on Saturday,” said the Reds boss.

Morecambe’s 1-0 victory over Stanley at the Globe Arena back in August was the first time Stanley had been beaten by their rivals in 16 Football League fixtures, but since then the two clubs have enjoyed contrasting seasons, with Jim Bentley’s side down in 19th.

“Everyone knows my affinity for Morecambe, I’ve got a lot of friends there, none more so than the management duo,” said Coleman.

“I feel for them because I know how much effort they put into the job and how hard they work.

They haven’t been on the best of runs and people are quick to knock them, but when reality sets in they’re in very little danger of being relegated, and on the budget they have to operate if they stay up it will be an achievement.”