INJURIES and suspension have thrown Accrington Stanley into a defensive crisis ahead of the FA Cup first round clash at League Two rivals Mansfield Town.

Centre half Robbie Williams is expected to be sidelined for at least a week after limping out of Saturday's game at Peterborough with a groin strain, while fellow defender Julien N'Da suffered damaged knee ligaments making a block tackle in training the day before.

Also, with captain Peter Cavanagh suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season at the weekend, manager John Coleman will have to call on all his resources for Saturday's trip to Field Mill.

Stanley will be boosted by the return of fullback Danny Ventre following a month's loan at Southport.