JIMMY Dunne has described the clash with Exeter City as a “must-win” game, even though Accrington Stanley would have five other bites at the promotion cherry if they did not succeed today.

Stanley have an 11-point advantage and a game in hand over the fourth placed Grecians, so three points at home this afternoon would mean they cannot finish lower than third this season, with the top three in League Two going up automatically.

A draw would mean their next chance to secure in a place in League One would come on Tuesday, when they entertain Yeovil, while in the event of defeat - what would be their first since January - could mean the wait extends to next weekend, when they face a trip to Wycombe Wanderers.

The defender wants to get the job done at the first attempt.

“We need one win in six games, but that’s not how I like to think, we must win on Saturday,” said Dunne in the build-up to this afternoon’s game at the Wham Stadium.

And the 20-year-old, who is on loan from Burnley, is relishing the challenge of what, on paper, is one of Stanley’s toughest assignments of the season, with in-form Exeter arriving in East Lancashire having won four of their last five games.

“I don’t think it would matter who we were playing this weekend because our situation is still the same,” Dunne continued.

“We’ve already played a lot of the big clubs - we went away to Luton, we know it was going to be difficult there (and won).

“But here we’ve got our home advantage and I don’t think we’re going to worry too much about what Exeter will bring. I think we’re just going to worry about ourselves.”

And Dunne, who has contributed to nine clean sheets since arriving in January, is hoping the Stanley fans can play their part.

“The crowds have been getting bigger and louder. I don’t know if it’s with the weather getting a bit better but they’re starting to come out,” said the on-loan Burnley youngster.

“We know it’s going to be a busy one on Saturday but I love that whole experience, the flares going off, the drums, it’s brilliant. I’m really enjoying it. It’s so loud.

“When you’re playing the games you don’t really focus on it as much but I’m just happy to be involved in such a family club with such great support.”

Dunne is hoping to be part of a party atmosphere this afternoon, but admitted there have been words of caution from experienced team-mates like captain Seamus Conneely, who was part of the Stanley side that missed out on promotion on goal difference on the final day of 2015/16 campaign.

“Everyone talks about (promotion), the fans, the players, everyone’s talking about it. But the more experienced ones and the ones who have been through these kind of situations before are the ones who are saying ‘Things can change quickly’,” he said.

“It’s so far so good but there is a big job that needs to be done. I’m one of those who doesn’t want to get too far ahead of themselves and think it’s done.”

He added: “I’ve spoken to Seamus and he still feels sick talking about it, how close they were.

“I think that’s becoming vital now because they know that horrible feeling of not quite just making the cut and they’re really eager to not let that happen again.”