8:49am Tuesday 9th February 2010
By Matt Donlan
JOHN Coleman is warning that his Accrington Stanley men must be on their mettle tonight as they face a huge test at Northampton Town.
The Reds have won seven out of eight League Two games on their march up the table - but Coleman reckons the Sixfields showdown will be as tough as any test they have faced this season.
The Cobblers are third in the League Two form table and are themselves unbeaten in six games, a run that led to boss Ian Sampson landing the manager of the month award for January.
They have only one win in six games on their own patch, however, and Stanley have won five of their last six on the road.
But Coleman insists that the stats count for nothing.
“It’s a really tough game, make no mistake about that,” said Coleman.
“Northampton are flying at the moment and will be looking at this game as one they can go out and win.
“They are a good side and beat us well at the Crown Ground earlier in the season and we have to play to our best if we are to get anything.”
Stanley’s cup runs combined with a rash of postponements mean a hectic schedule between now and the end of the season with Coleman’s small squad stretched to the limits.
But Saturday’s derby win over Morecambe highlighted the spirit in the Stanley camp.
“Yeah, it’s a big schedule,” added the manager. “But the players don’t feel anywhere near as tired when they are winning as they do when they are losing.”
Skipper Andy Procter is available again after completing his one-match ban while Michael Symes is also free to play despite picking up his fifth booking of the season on Saturday – the January amnesty being a boost for the striker.
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