FRIENDS ask Michael Knowles if he made the wrong decision moving from Morecambe to Accrington Stanley.

The Shrimps, after all, are fifth in the Nationwide Conference and are in the third round of the FA Cup, preparing to face First Division Ipswich Town at Portman Road next month.

But midfielder Knowles said: "People keep asking me if I made the right move when I left Morecambe but I just tell them I'm going to get something at Accrington that I never got at Morecambe: a winners' medal."

Stanley top the UniBond Premier Division by nine points and Knowles reckons if the side come through the festive period unscathed, it is a clear run to the finishing line and promotion to the Conference.

"When Morecambe got promoted we went up in second so I didn't get a winners' medal," said the 27-year-old, who still lives in the town. "So I want one!"

Stanley travel to Hucknall Town tomorrow and then face Whitby away on Boxing Day before playing Gainsborough Trinity at home on December 28.

The Reds then have a break until January 4, when they travel to Burscough.

"It will be nice to have a little break and maybe have a beer on New Year's Eve, which will make a change because usually we have to play New Year's Day. I always end up driving my family around at Christmas because I never have a drink."

And he revealed the gaffer had warned all the players about their behaviour over Christmas.

"John Coleman sat us down after the Bradford game and said he can't keep an eye on us all through Christmas but we have given ourselves a great chance and if we are serious about taking it we have to look after ourselves. So it's up to the lads and how much they want it. If they are disciplined enough now they can celebrate at the end of the season."

The Reds were knocked out of the President's Cup at Ashton Town on Tuesday night, beaten 4-2, and after going out of the League Cup and the FA Trophy they now have only the league to concentrate on.

"That can be a good thing," said Knowles. "I think our real competitors in the league now are Vauxhall Motors but they are still in the Trophy and they went on that run in the FA Cup so they have five games in hand on us.

"But they have to win them and I have been at teams that have had good cup runs - you end up playing three times a week at the end of the season and it catches up with you.

"I didn't play in the Ashton game because I had an infected toe but Jimmy (Bell) says it was mistakes again that cost us and it always seems to be our mistakes that let other teams in, not the way they play themselves."

Stanley have won 12 out of 15 games at home this season but have failed to win in their last 10 away games.

"Our home form is awesome and I think we will pick up our away form," said Knowles.

And then he can pick up that winners' medal.

STANLEY are in talks with two left-sided players, according to the club's website. One deals involves a player in his mid-20s and is expected to be confirmed by the end of today as terms have been agreed with both the player and his current club.