Mullin's 20-goal target

ACCRINGTON Stanley hitman Paul Mullin is aiming to take his tally to more than 20 Conference goals this season - and hopes that will be enough to take the Reds into the play-offs.

The Interlink striker currently has 17 league goals after scoring three in the last two matches which has moved the Reds into fifth place in the league.

And he knows they face a crucial two games over the Easter period starting with Burton Albion on Friday night and a home clash with York on Monday.

"They are massive games," said Mullin. "After the last two wins another two would make it a great 10 days for us.

"The aim is to get more than 20 goals. I am happy to be on a bit of a run at the moment and hopefully it will continue and we can make the play-offs. We are so close but it is so far away as well as, with seven games left, anything can happen."

The table is still tight with just five points between fourth placed Woking and 11th placed Crawley and several teams have matches in hand on the Reds. That's why, with games against lower placed teams over the Easter weekend, six points is important.

Burton are 16th in the table and have been arch enemies of the Reds for a number of seasons since they were in the UniBond League together.

"We have had some good games against them over the years," said manager John Coleman. "They have established themselves as a Conference team and are a decent side but have been hit by injuries this season. They are probably a bit disappointed they haven't done better in the league but they are still in the FA Trophy and will be happy with that."

Striker Lee McEvilly is suspended for both games while Ged Brannan is expected to be out with a calf strain. But, with Matt O'Neill signed up for another month from Burnley, Coleman has got plenty to choose from.

"I have got a good squad now and have plenty of options which is good for me. But we need all the help we can get from the fans  as well for the final push so I hope there is plenty there on Monday for the York game and they will get behind us again."

York are currently 17th in the table but gave Stanley a good test in the Conference Cup clash with it going to extra-time before McEvilly struck.

"I watched them against Halifax on Sky and, although they lost, they were unlucky," said Coleman. "They are battling for their lives and it will be tough. But if we go into the game with the same mentality and spirit we have shown against Morecambe and Canvey Island, we should be okay."