ACCRINGTON Stanley take a welcome break from the pressure of the Conference when they turn their attentions to the FA Trophy on Saturday.
The Reds make the long trip to Surrey to face Carshalton in the second round, after they overcame Altrincham in the first game.Table topping Stanley will be expected to enjoy a comfortable win as the Robins are second off bottom of the Conference South table with just two wins all season.But Worcester were in a similar situation when John Coleman's side faced them in the FA Cup - and it was Stanley who ended up with red faces.
Coleman will have to juggle his pack as winger Gary Roberts and defender Michael Welch are suspended for the game but it allows some of the bench regulars to stake a claim for a first team place.
"It will give us a good chance to utilise the squad," said assistant manager Jimmy Bell. "And it is a break from the league.
"We haven't done well in the FA Trophy with Accrington in all the years we have been here so it will be nice to get a run in the competition - and good to keep the winning habit."
Paul Mullin will be looking to add to his goal tally as he has scored two goals in two games in their 2-0 win over Canvey Island on Saturday and the 2-1 win over Tamworth on Tuesday which has sent the Reds six points clear at the top of the table and extended their league unbeaten run to 10 games.
The striker has got eight goals for the season and the management are expecting him to get to his usual 20 by the end of the campaign.
"Two goals in two games is a boost for Paul and he has been missing a few chances as well," said Bell. "Paul is a 20-goal a season player and I am sure he will get there if he can go on a run now.
"He does so much more for the team though as well but he will be happy with his goals."
Steve Jagielka missed the last two games with a knee injury but is expected to be back. Meanwhile chairman Eric Whalley said there have been no bids for Ian Craney, who scored the winner against Tamworth, and Gary Roberts despite speculation linking both with a move to League Two side Chester. Deva boss Keith Curle has said he is interested in the pair and has spoke to John Coleman about them.
But the Reds manager is insistent they are going nowhere: "It would show a lack of ambition if we were to let our best players go at this crucial stage of the season. Gary and Ian are a big part of the club's future."
Phil Edwards is expected to move permanently to Stanley from Premiership side Wigan while out of contract players Leam Richardson, Anthony Barry, Michael Welch and Danny Ventre have all been offered contracts and are expected to sign.