JOHN Coleman is aiming to be in the promotion mix going into the last week of the season.

Accrington Stanley have remained in touching distance of the top six, despite a run in which they picked up just four points from a possible 24.

After following up a 7-0 humbling by Peterborough which threatened to kill off any chance, they have revived their season with four points from Easter games against Burton Albion and Oxford United and go into tomorrow’s home game against AFC Wimbledon five points shy of the top six.

Six of their eight remaining games are against teams above them, including two against Portsmouth.

And Coleman has urged his players to keep the play-off dream alive for as long as possible.

“Every opponent we play is in the mix either at the top or the bottom and these are the games you want to be involved in. They are the best games to play in,” said the Reds boss.

“Historically we have played better against the better teams, six of the last remaining games are against teams above us and that makes it interesting.

“I would love to be involved in the last week of the season. That would be great. Three cracking games - Portsmouth, Charlton, Portsmouth - a lot to play for and that’s got to be our goal and hopefully we will get there.”

But it is a team at the opposite end of the table they face first.

Saturday's opponents AFC Wimbledon are desperate for points to climb out of a congested bottom four, and Coleman has warned his players not to read anything into their lowly league position.

“I have done my homework on Wimbledon, they are better than their results suggest. They haven’t been beaten 7-0 that’s for sure!” said the Reds boss.

“They generally lose by the odd goal and they have been unlucky in games and have played some good football.

“Wimbledon are capable of putting a run together to stay up and hopefully it doesn’t start with us on Saturday.

“We want to prolong the interest in our season as long as we can and we will only do that by winning games.

“It extends the season, once you are out of the play-off race with no fans, there really is nothing to play for. It’s different when you are playing for your fans and the pride. All you are now playing for is trying to get as many points on board as possible if you aren’t involved in the hunt.”

And Coleman has been encouraged by the response to the Peterborough defeat - a goalless draw at home to Burton and 2-1 win at Oxford.

“Just getting a win after having such a heavy defeat gives everyone a lift and a bit of confidence. We have got to embrace every game we play and give it your best shot and that’s what we try and do.”