John Coleman has a goalkeeper crisis for tomorrow’s FA Cup first round clash at League One Notts County.
Ian Dunbavin had stitches in his knee following a challenge on 14 minutes of Saturday’s 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers and he was replaced by Sean Murdoch with the Scot now the Reds’ only fit keeper.
"Bavs is getting better day by day and we are hopeful but we are looking at other options if necessary," said Stanley boss Coleman. "We have one lined up which might surprise a few people but hopefully Bav’s will be fit."
The FA Cup draw was certainly not kind to the Reds, giving them a tie at the League One promotion chasers who have only lost one league game at Meadow Lane this season.
"To be honest, we just wanted to be at home so the draw was a disappointment whichever team we played," said Coleman.
"We know a lot about Notts County and their players and they know about us and we have just got to go there and play to our best.
"It’s a massive game for the club as there is £18,500 reward for getting through the first round and so financially it is a massive for us.
"The FA Cup is a great competition and a win could give you a lot of exposure, which we have had before and would like again. You are not going to win it but you want to go as far as you can.
"I get on well with County’s boss Martin Allen, he is honest and open about the game and he realises what a tough job management is and understands the situation.
"But whoever you play there is always an excitement around the FA Cup. We will be the underdogs but we want to take a scalp."
Coleman, on Thursday, was waiting for clarification from their parent clubs that all his loan players are available if needed – Kevin Long (Burnley), Micah Evans (Blackburn Rovers), Tom Bender (Colchester), Luke Dobie (Middlesbrough), Will Hatfield (Leeds) and Jayden Stockley (Bournemouth). As Padraig Amond is on loan from Portuguese side Paços de Ferreira and is on a season-long loan he has the all-clear.
Meanwhile Coleman said they were all boosted by their 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers on Saturday – Stanley’s first league win in six matches.
"You can tell by the players’ demeanours this week that they are all relieved to get the win," said the Reds chief.
"We never get too high when we win or too low when we lose though and it’s been much the same in training this week.
"It was though nice to finally get a win as the longer you go without one, the harder it seems to get."
Young striker Micah Evans scored within five minutes of his Reds and Football League debut and Coleman is hopeful that, after using a number of attackers this season, the teenager can continue his scoring form.
"Micah tired towards the end of Saturday’s game but that is only to be expected as he will never have played in a game so intense, competitive or cut-throat before and so I was pleased. He boosts our attacking options as does Jayden Stockley."
Stockley, 18, has signed on a month’s loan from Bournemouth and was given his debut by then Cherries boss Eddie Howe at just 15.
He came on in the second half against the Pirates and will be battling for a starting berth tomorrow at Meadow Lane.
Another who was making his Stanley debut was former Birmingham and Hull midfielder Bryan Hughes and Coleman feels he will make a big impact at the Crown Ground, even though he has signed on a non-contract basis.
"He did well and you could see his experience," said Coleman. "He has been training with us for a few weeks and he will get more used to the way we play. The others can learn a lot from him and hopefully he will get better and better for us."
Defender Sean Hessey is back in contention after a hip and hamstring injury while captain Andy Procter returns from a one-game suspension.
Peter Murphy, sent off in the final seconds of Saturday’s clash, will miss out as will Ian Craney, out with long-term injury.
"We have players coming back now and a decent competition for places and both Hess and Proc come back into contention," added the Reds boss. "All we can do is go there and give it our best shot."
