Being without a goal in more than 500 minutes of League One football is something that hurts Stanley boss John Coleman.

As a former striker himself, he has gone through previous barren runs, but says a lack of goals for a team is concerning.

Averaging less than a goal a game, only bottom side AFC Wimbledon have scored fewer than Stanley’s 27, though they have played up to three fewer matches than teams in the league.

They have failed to trouble the scorers on 11 occasions this season, a record they will be hoping to improve upon when they travel to Scunthorpe United this afternoon.

Billy Kee is in to double figures, with seven goals coming in League One, one behind midfielder Sean McConville.

“You’re not over-egging it. Going five league games without scoring is something that hasn’t happened to us in the past,” Coleman said.

“It never really happens to one of our sides. We pride ourselves, with myself and Jimmy being ex-strikers and John Doolan an attacking midfielder, on playing on the front foot and trying to score goals.

“Now and again you get these blips.

“You can get them as a player as well. I remember as a player at Southport going 17 games without a goal and then scored seven in three.

“You can’t explain it, you can’t write about it or think about it, it just happens.

“Hopefully when we get one we can get plenty.”

Stanley were among the goals in a behind closed doors friendly with Southport in midweek, having been without a game since the 0-0 draw with Gillingham on January 29.

Coleman went with a back five at the Priestfield Stadium, and feels he now has the option to go with any number of formations with the personnel at his disposal, something he hopes could change their luck in front of goal.

He added: “We are flexible now and there are a number of systems we have explored and the players feel comfortable with.

“We have good options.”