ACCRINGTON Stanley will kick off the new season against Nigel Clough's Burton Albion on 14 August.

And their second game just three days later is the "derby" fixture at Morecambe, boss John Coleman's former club.

The festive programme sees home-and-away clashes against Halifax on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, sandwiched by a long trip to Gravesend on 28 December.

Relegated "giants" Carlisle and York visit the Interlink Express Stadium on 7 December and 28 March respectively.

Reds' skipper Peter Cavanagh says the opening game could have been worse.

He said after the fixtures were announced yesterday: "There is a bit of rivalry between the teams and we had some decent games against them last year. It won't be an easy game by any stretch of the imagination."

"But I think some other teams will have a much worse start than us."

The final five games will prove a tough test for the Reds. Cavanagh said: "If we want to win promotion, we have it tough coming down the home straight."

"A lot of teams are going to be competitive this season but hopefully we can get off to a good start and attract some big crowds."

  • Meanwhile, Coleman is delighted to have finally captured midfield maestro Ian Craney from Altrincham after the deal had been put on the back burner.

He said: "It was just a case of being patient. The lad wanted to come here and there was always a good chance of it happening."

"I think he will add a bit of inventiveness from midfield that we may have been lacking last season. He is a proven goal-scorer and can run at players."

The Reds boss has also snapped up ex-Preston North End winger Paul Carvill, 19, who has agreed a 12-month deal with the option of a further year.

And plans are still in motion to bring Aussie keeper Jason Petkovic to the club. Coleman said: "We have applied for a work permit but that could take up to two weeks to go through the system."

"We are just waiting for the green light now. He wants to come to play for us and we want him but it is out of our hands at the moment."

The club has parted company with fans' favourite Jamie Speare this week.

Coleman said: "He has joined Lancaster City and he is a good acquisition for them. He was a good servant to our club and I wish him all the best with his career."