Supporters stood us up says Coleman

The Liverpudlian was disappointed to see a drop of around 500 home fans from the crowd which saw them romp to a 4-1 win over Barnet for Tuesday night's crucial Conference clash at home to Halifax Town.

And Coleman has urged the people of Hyndburn to vote with their feet if they want to welcome a Football League club back to the borough.

"Somewhere along the line we lost 500 fans from the weekend," said the baffled Reds boss.

"People talk about wanting League football but is that a realistic option when the crowds aren't really big enough at the moment?

"We're making a call to arms because I was genuinely shocked on Tuesday night because it was a big game, as well as the Barnet one. And after our performance on Saturday I thought we would have had a good crowd on. Halifax brought about 350 supporters but, for us, it was like being stood up on a date.

"You would think that beating the leaders convincingly would have encouraged more people to the ground, but when people seem to prefer staying in to watch Champions League games on the television, what chance have we got?

"I can't understand what people want."

But Coleman will have to wait until after the weekend to see if his plea has had any affect on armchair supporters as Stanley's next home game is on Monday, when they entertain Bamber Bridge in the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy semi-final (kick-off 7.45pm).

And the Reds have a free weekend in which to prepare for it as their scheduled trip to play-off rivals Canvey Island has been put back to Tuesday March 22 because of the Gulls' involvement in the FA Trophy.

Meanwhile, Coleman praised his side for the way they battled for a point against Halifax in midweek.

Stanley's performance didn't match up to the one they gave against Barnet on Saturday, but Ian Craney came off the bench to grab a crucial last minute winner. And Coleman admitted he could have few complaints after collecting seven points from their last three games against fellow promotion challengers.

"I expected a tough game and give Halifax their credit, they played really well," he said. "But we kept going right to the end and I think in the final 20 minutes we deserved to get the goal.

"Before the Exeter, Barnet and Halifax games, if someone had asked you about those three you'd have probably taken seven points.

"So you can't be too critical, we've just got to learn from Tuesday night. Maybe when the expectation's on us to win we've got to start delivering."

And Coleman praised two of his second half substitutions for their part in rescuing a point.

"You've got to gamble in the end," he said.

"Jonathan Smith might not be Ronaldo-esque but he'll certainly put himself about.

"He was instrumental in the goal after having a header off the line. Luckily we got it back in for Ian (Craney) to dig the goal out."

"We tried to guard against it but I think we basked in our glory for a bit too long after Saturday.

"They'd killed the game and, give them their due, they'd been professional with it.

"We kept our head and I think we deserved to get the equaliser.

"Most goals in this league are scored by mistakes. Chris Butler found himself in a foreign position at right back and gave the ball away cheaply. Having said that, they made a couple of decent passes and cut us open when we should be maybe a little bit tighter than that.

"We didn't have too many chances on Tuesday, that was the disapointing thing. We didn't really cope in the first half with them having three in midfield, and although we adapted our formation we didn't seem right. We didn't really pressurise them enough or win the ball high enough up the pitch and we didn't get ourselves high enough up the pitch as a team. That's why we didn't have as many chances as we did on Saturday.

"The keeper made a decent save off Lee McEvilly in the first half and, if that goes in, I think you're seeing a different game.

"But we kept going and, in the end if you keep going, we've got a lot of character in the dressing room, and it was important then, qwhen you're not at your best, that you don't lose to one of your rivals.

"Ian was delighted he got his goal and all the other lads were delighted as well.

"It doesn't matter how they go in or who puts them in, that situation was desperate for a goal and luckily we got one.

"Lee didn't have many chances. But we're going to need goals from now to the end of the season from everybody and hopefully the goals that we score will win us games rather than just get us a point.

"I was looking for three points before kick-off. It's imperative now that we try to win as many games as you can and you certainly expect to win your home games.

"I've seen Halifax play five times now and that's the best I've seen them play.

"There are a few games on Saturday but there are also a few Trophy games so we'll wait and see what happens to the table.

"Our next game isn't for almost a fortnight and it's important that we go into it in the right frame of mind and with the right attitude.