It was climbing Pendle Hill, rather than the League One table, that was on the minds of the Stanley players, and management team earlier this week, as they tackled the 557m ascent.

Having spent four-and-a-half hours on Monday dissecting how they went from 2-0 up at Burton Albion to losing 5-2, boss John Coleman decided upon a change of scenery the following day.

Stanley’s bid to beat the drop and secure a second successive season in League One is very much in their hands, sitting two points above the dropzone and with up to two games in hand on their rivals.

 For the boss it is about ensuring his players stay together, and focused on the job in hand, as they head in to the final eight games.

Tuesday’s trip coincided with Ross Sykes’ birthday, as the defender celebrated turning 20 with the outdoor activity.

“On Tuesday we decided to do something different,” Coleman said.

“I thought it would be a gentle walk up Pendle Hill but if my breathing was anything to go by the lads would have had a decent work out.

“We got them all together for Ross’ birthday, had a spot of lunch and got them focused on each other and realise that we’re all in this together and it’s not a case of us and them.”

Stanley host Fleetwood today in what is the first of eight games within the space of four weeks.

It is certainly going to be a busy period, and on the change of scenery, Coleman added: “With it bordering on April, you’re not going to be getting people fit now.

“If they are not fit now they will never be, but you can keep them ticking over and that’s the idea.

“Sometimes a change is as good as a rest.”

Goals from Sean McConville and a Billy Kee penalty had Stanley in charge at the Pirelli Stadium last weekend.

But the hosts reduced the arrears before half time, before four unanswered second half goals saw the Brewers to victory.

Coleman felt the hosts’ first goal was decisive, and revealed there was a four-and-a-half hour studying of the game in a meeting between the players and staff on Monday.

“What we had to do was go through the pain of watching the game and picking out the highlights of where we can improve, on the decisions we’ve made and things to be mindful of moving forward,” the Reds boss added.

“We’re always looking to improve.

“It’s easier to watch the video and point out ‘you did this wrong and you did this wrong’.

“But it has to be constructive.”

Fleetwood were without a game last weekend, because of international call-ups, with their last game on March 16 a 2-0 win over Plymouth, a game in which Coleman watched from the stands.

Joey Barton’s side are 11th in League One, and still in with a shout of a late push for the play-offs.

The two sides drew 1-1 at Highbury in September and Coleman is anticipating another tight game in the reverse fixture this afternoon.

“There wasn’t much in the game but they scored two good goals and deservedly won the game,” said Coleman whose side have nine games remaining.

“But the game was like how a lot of League One games go, and if we can play to our capabilities then we can cause them trouble, but they also have players who can cause us trouble as well.

“We will come up with a plan to try and get in the ascendancy.”