STANLEY boss John Coleman harbours a Wembley dream as his side prepare to kick off their Checkatrade Trophy campaign against Macclesfield Town on Tuesday night.

The Reds, beaten 1-0 by Shrewsbury Town in League One on Saturday, are seventh in the third tier while the visitors are without a manager having sacked Mark Yates on Monday. The Silkmen are bottom of the Football League having not won any of their 12 league matches.

But they do top the Checkatrade Trophy group courtesy of a penalty shoot out success over Blackpool in the only game in Group C so far. West Brom's Under-21s are the other side in the group.

And Coleman, a supporter of the Trophy, wants to ensure progress from the group as he aims for a run in the competition.

“I like it. I do not see why people slate it. For me, it gives me a chance to get players game-time under their belts and it’s a realistic way for us of getting to Wembley, we are one of just two clubs who haven’t played there in the Football League," said the Stanley boss whose side lost to eventual winners Lincoln City last season.

“The prize-money is also healthy, perhaps not for the higher placed teams, but for clubs like us and Macclesfield it can make a difference.

“For Under 21 teams, it’s a chance to play against men. Playing in Academy games can sometimes be like a cocoon so it’s a good game for them.

“You only have to ask Lincoln fans if they enjoyed the Checkatrade Trophy last season. It’s a realistic chance for us to go to Wembley.”

Coleman is expected to field several fringe players in the clash with loanee striker Luke Charman in contention to make his Stanley debut having recovered from a niggle while the likes of defenders Will Wood and Matty Platt, midfield pair Erico Sousa and Piero Mingoia and striker Connor Hall could be handed starts.

The Reds remaining group games are at home to West Brom U21s on Tuesday, November 6 and away at Blackpool on Tuesday, November 13.

Tickets for the match have been slashed to £5 with under-12s just £2.