Reds aim for hat-trick

Stanley are out to make it a hat-trick of wins when they make the trip to former Football League side Cambridge on Saturday.

The Reds have won their opening games 1-0 and sit second in the Conference table with only them, Exeter and Morecambe having a 100 per cent record.

But, while other teams might sit up and take notice of Stanley's stunning start, manager John Coleman is demanding more from his side.

"We have got the results but we have not played well. We can play a lot better than we have in both the opening games - we played better in some games last season and lost.

"It is a relief to get six points but we have got to improve as we won't always win with those performances."

The 1-0 win over Canvey Island on the opening day came courtesy of a David Brown goal. He came off the bench to score the winner.

"It was good to score and especially to get the winner," said the striker. "I was disappointed to be on the bench but I have got to keep scoring to stake my claim for a first team place."

The 1-0 victory over Altrincham midweek was thanks to an 85th minute goal from Michael Welch.

The newly promoted part-timers had given the Reds a rough ride with former Stanley striker Gary Williams and ex-Crewe man Colin Little proving a handful for Stanley with keeper Stuart Jones keeping them out.

But a Mike Flynn throw in was headed goalwards by Welch and was heading for the back of the net although the keeper helped it over the line.

"I think it has been credited to Welchy but I wasn't bothered who scored," said Coleman. "Make no bones about it, Alty should not have lost that game and we have rode our luck so we have got to be  happy with that."

Cambridge lost their opening game against Forest Green but had a stunning win over pre season title favourites Hereford on Tuesday night.

"We know they are a big strong side with a six foot seven inch striker who we will have to counter," added Coleman.

Defender Andy Tretton is still struggling with a bruised knee while midfielders Anthony Barry and Ian Craney are hoping to shake off knocks. Keeper Stuart Jones has also had an ankle injury which the Reds chief is hoping he will overcome.