JOHN Coleman has urged his Accrington Stanley side to make their win over Wigan Athletic count and back it up at Peterborough United tomorrow.

The Reds ended a run of three straight defeats by coming back from behind to beat Leam Richardson's Latics at the Wham Stadium last Saturday.

Now, after benefiting from a rare midweek break, Coleman is hoping to head to London Road full of energy and ready to tackle the chance of a double against a Posh side chasing automatic promotion.

“We got the win against Swindon and didn’t back it up and you have to back them up," said the Stanley boss.

"Every game we play will be tough whether they are at the top or bottom end of the table and we are prepared for that."

But, just three points off the play-offs and with sixth place Blackpool still to face, Coleman knows the rewards are in reach if they can get into a winning habit.

“Anyone who puts a run together has a chance," he said.

"Everyone is craving that run that Burton went on, six or seven wins, Oxford were on a good run before Christmas as well.

“If you pick up a lot of points in a short space of time you are catapulted up there and we would love to do that and I am sure a lot of other teams would too.”

Stanley are among a group of nine teams that are two wins away from the final play-off position.

It is only just over a month since they were in the top six thanks to an impressive win at Doncaster Rovers.

But a rush of injuries since then has really hampered their charge.

"You get to the situation where you are scared to train as you don’t want to lose anymore players," Coleman explained.

“We are dropping like flies! It’s so frustrating because we have had such a good year and we want to keep going.

“It’s getting harder and harder with all the injuries but the lads are showing great character, great personalities, and hopefully we will get through it and get some more wins before now and the end of the season and knock on the door of the play-offs and then... who knows... get in them?”

Stanley are missing Dion Charles this weekend as the striker is away on international duty with Northern Ireland.

Colby Bishop, Joe Pritchard and captain Seamus Conneely are close to a return but Coleman said: "This week might come too soon.

“What we have got to be mindful of is that we still have quite a few games to play and you don’t want to rush people back, get them back for one game and then lose them for the rest of the season.”

He added: “We have lads who are ready to step up and show their worth to the squad which we saw on Saturday.

“Players are getting thrown in the deep end and it’s very difficult but the likes of Joe Maguire, who hasn’t played a league game all season, did ever so well on Saturday.

“Ben (Barclay) was out the team for a while and came in and did ever so well and the same for Harvey (Rodgers). Morgs (David Morgan) is just starting to play league football and is finding his feet and doing well.

“Sean (McConville) hasn’t played up front for a while and he answered the call on Saturday. I am pleased with the character of the squad.

“We could hide behind the injuries but we are not going to, I am pleased with the squad we have, I am pleased with the way the lads who have been called in have responded and we will give it our best shot on Saturday."