JOHN Coleman admits the Easter weekend could be a make-or-break four days for Stanley’s play-off hopes.

Tomorrow the Reds travel to top-seven rivals Blackpool, who sit two points ahead of them in the race for the end-of-season shootout.

Bank Holiday Monday sees Crawley Town visit the Wham Stadium and two wins could push Stanley above the dotted line if other results go their way.

Coleman is aware of the anticipation for the Lancashire derby at Bloomfield Road, but he says that both matches are key and his side will be ready for the challenge.

“Historically the Friday and Monday games over Easter means it’s six points up for grabs in a short space of time,” he said. “And with it being at the business end of the season it generally has a big determining factor on what happens, both up and down.

“With the bank holidays and playing on a Monday, your preparations have to alter. It means you have to train Sunday which the players aren’t used to. So it is a little bit of an upheaval but we’re prepared for it because we know that it’s coming.”

Coleman is particularly aware of anyone expecting Dermot Drummy’s side to give Accrington and easy win on Monday, even if they appear destined to finish in mid-table as they sit nine points above relegation and 14 off the play-offs.

The Reds boss added: “People are building everything up for Friday’s game, which is a massive one, but they are dismissive of Crawley and think they are just going to turn up and get their bellies tickled.

“That’s not going to happen – Crawley will present their own problems.

“But we just have to concentrate on the task in hand, which is Blackpool first up.

“We know a lot about them and they know a lot about us.

“That will be a tough game but one that we can compete in and if we play as well as I know we can play we’re capable of giving a good account of ourselves.

“There’s six points at stake and any team who’s in and around the mix who takes all six will feel as they have taken a giant leap because everybody won’t do that.

“We’ve got to give ourselves the best chance.”