MARK Hughes admits Stanley's sensational run of form has stunned the Reds squad and insists the club will make it count by winning promotion.

The weekend win at Colchester maintained Stanley's three point lead at the top of the League Two table and means a victory over Exeter City on Saturday would ensure promotion with five games to spare.

Such an achievement seemed a long way off on Boxing Day when Stanley were beaten by Carlisle but since then John Coleman's side have won 15 of 17 games to pull clear.

“If someone had said that after our Boxing Day loss to Carlisle, which made it five defeats on the bounce, you wouldn’t have believed it." Hughes said.

"We couldn’t see where the next win was coming from never mind going on the run we have. The game after at Grimsby, we went back to basics and we have never looked back since.

“It’s been a collective effort. We have kept three clean sheets in a row as a defence but everyone is working hard in front of us and we are just mopping up.

“I know the gaffer doesn’t make subs but there is quality on the bench and we know, if we don’t play well, they are pushing us. It’s everyone at the club – but we haven’t won anything yet.

“We know we need one win but I am experienced enough to know that football can bite you on your backside, we won’t be getting ahead of ourselves.”