Promotion hopes put to test

ACCRINGTON Stanley will have a real test of their promotion credentials on Saturday when Conference leaders Barnet are the visitors to the Interlink Express Stadium.

It is a huge game for the Reds as John Coleman has demanded victories in all Stanley's home matches if they are to maintain their challenge for a play-off spot.

"It is a hard game but we need to win our home games," said the Reds chief. "We can't afford to drop many points now and we think we need around seven or eight wins out of our last 13 games to get into the top five. Everyone will continue to take points off everybody so we have got to make sure we stay in there."

Stanley are on a high after winning their last two league games against promotion contenders Scarborough and Exeter - and winning three cup games on the trot against Conference opposition.

Barnet, meanwhile, despite having a 15 point gap at the top, are stuttering slightly with one win in four league games.

And, while striker Lee McEvilly has scored six goals in five games for the Reds, Bees top scorer Guiliano Grazioli has got one in six games - although he leads the charge for the Conference Golden Boot with 15 goals.

Midfielder Andy Procter is suspended but Ged Brannan is back in the fold after recovering from cracked ribs. Stanley are hoping to have added defender Steve Burton, on loan from Kidderminster, to their squad by the time of the Barnet game.