Reds aim to bounce back

ACCRINGTON Stanley face a crucial game against fellow promotion chasers York  on Saturday as they bid to bounce back from their embarrassing FA Cup loss.

The Reds went out at the fourth qualifying stage for the second year running against Conference North strugglers Worcester City in a replay on Monday night.

Manager John Coleman admitted he was "devastated" by the 3-2 defeat - and the loss of £10,000 which would have swelled the club's coffers for their promotion charge.

But the boss can find no better way than to reply by beating second placed York on Saturday - and moving above them in the league.

"York  have done well this year," said the Reds chief after Vity fought a relegation battle last season. "They have two lively forwards but, saying that, I think we are the best team in the division going forwards.

"What we need to do is defend as a team. It is a massive game, there should be a good crowd on and we need to turn in a winning performance."

Stanley have just won one of their last seven games and have suffered early exits in the LDV Vans Trophy and the FA Cup.

"Throughout my managerial career I have had Black Octobers every year," said Coleman. "Even when we won the UniBond Premier Division, we had a horrendous October. I don't know why that is.

"But we have a good chance to put it right against York. I have said in the past the lads don't know how to win games but when you look at the Conference table we have won as many as anyone else."

Coleman has defensive headaches for the City clash. Robbie Williams is out with ligament damage while Peter Cavanagh still isn't fit and the manager was disappointed with his wing backs in Monday's loss.

But on loan Wigan players Kevin Lee and Phil Edwards could now play their part - they couldn't play in the FA Cup - while keeper Darren Randolph is back in goal after he missed a number of games with the cup and Republic of Ireland Under 19 duty.

Winger Matty O'Neill has also returned from his loan spell at  Radcliffe Borough and he could come straight into the reckoning to face his brother Joe, who plays at Kit Kat Crescent.

Defender Mike Flynn  is also battling for a starting place: "Obviously I want to play," said the 36-year-old after he was on  the bench for the replay. "But the manager picks the team and lives and dies by his decisions and I accept that."