ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman is hoping his side’s sunshine break in Portugal will pay off when the Reds begin their pre-season schedule tonight.

Stanley, who have spent the last seven days in Portugal on a warm-weather training camp, begin their League Two preparation with a trip to Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One North side Skelmersdale United (7.45pm).

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Coleman could field new signings Aaron Chapman and Elliot Parish, Omar Beckles, Bastien Hery, Frazer Shaw, Callam Jones and Steven Hewitt in tonight’s encounter.

A number of trialists are also likely to feature for the Reds as they gear up for their League Two opener against Doncaster Rovers next month. And Coleman admits the Stanley squad are ready for action.

He said: “We have been away to Portugal for a week which has been a good bonding experience while the pl- ayers have worked really hard.

“Skelmersdale will be a good early test for us and we are looking forward to getting back into competitive action.”

There will be a familiar face in the opposition ranks, with Stanley’s community trust manager Martin Fearon currently Skelmersdale’s goalkeeper.

Tickets for the game are priced at £5 each for adu- lts and £3 each for concessions.

Meanwhile, Coleman is challenging young defender Liam Goulding to kick on after the 20-year-old signed an extended contract at the Wham Stadium.

Goulding has come through the ranks with the Reds and captained the successful FA Youth Cup side which reached the last 16 of that competition in 2013.

He has also been an unused substitute for the first team and has had loan spells with Ashton United, Chorley and Marine last season.

Coleman believes Goulding’s experience elsewhere will stand him in good stead as he looks to make the step up to the first team this season.

“Liam has had plenty of non-League appearances under his belt now and will be looking to make a step up into the first team,” said Coleman. “It is time for Liam to kick on now.”

Accrington journey to National League North outfit Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday.

The Reds also face trips to Barrow and FC Halifax ahead of the big kick-off on August 6.

Stanley are not playing any home friendlies to allow work to be carried out on the Wham Stadium pitch.