IT is a staggering statistic.

As Accrington Stanley approach their 100th Conference game tomorrow (Sat) at Grays, striker Paul Mullin has missed just ONE league clash.

Mr Consistency has chalked up 98 league appearances with 43 goals - 20 league goals each in his first two seasons and three so far in this campaign.

"It is freakish really in the current climate," admitted the striker. "But I am pleased with that statistic. I hadn't really thought about it but I am happy - and the goal return isn't too bad either.

"I am lucky in that I have managed to steer clear of injury, touch wood, in the six seasons I have been at Accrington. And, as well, I have not come off many times, so I think I have played 90 minutes in most games. No wonder I am shattered!"

The only blot on the near perfect copy book is a missed game at Gravesend in November 2003 when he sat it out with a calf injury.

"I had a late fitness test but we had Huddersfield in the FA Cup the week after and I think the gaffer wanted safety first and I sat it out to be fit for that.

"Mind you, if you had seen the size of the strapping on my leg I probably wouldn't have made it, anyway!"

The stats mean Burnley-born Mullin has scored one goal in almost every two games and, with 43 goals, you would think it would be hard for the forward to pick a favourite - but he didn't have a problem.

"It was against Barnet in the first season in the Conference where we won 2-0 in November. I scored both the goals but I remember one of the them was a long ball from the half-way line and I ran onto it and lobbed the keeper.

"Most of my others are in the six yard box, from the penalty spot or at the near post so I am happy with anything which is a bit different!"

And the 31-year-old has a favourite match - against then league leaders Hereford last year.

"It was on television and we won 2-0 and I scored both of the goals. I was presented with the champagne after the game and I have still got the bottle. I also enjoyed Canvey Island away last season even though it was on a Tuesday night and it was raining.

"Again I scored two and we needed to win to keep in contention for the play-offs and we did just that - but we couldn't manage to stay up there until the end of the season.

"And beating Stevenage is always enjoyable - we won 4-1 at home last season - but they always seem to get their revenge at their place."

The worst league game which sticks in the hitman's mind is Farnborough.

"I never liked going to Farnborough and I remember last season, they were really struggling, and they beat us 2-1. Saying that, Tamworth seems to have the same effect on us as we never win there either. It is just one of those places.

"There are some good and bad grounds in the league. I liked going to Carlisle as that was always decent as was Chester. Crawley is a nice one and Stevenage is as a good ground but, no matter what the surroundings, we seem to lose at Stevenage so it is always a bad trip.

"I never really enjoyed going to Leigh as it's a bit ramshackle, Farnborough and Gravesend, with the scrap yard behind it. And it always seems to be raining whenever we go to these grounds!"

He has thoroughly enjoyed his Conference life after becoming a professional footballer for the first time at the age of 29 but he admits the two tenth place finishes so far have had mixed reactions.

"In the first year, we would have settled for that at the start of the season but we had such a good start and raised everyone's expectations. Then we had the FA Cup run and I think it took its toll and we limped over the line.

"Last season was disappointing. We were a better side, we had better players but unfortunately we did not seem to improve on our league position even though we got more points and stayed in the running for the play-offs longer.

"I think this season we have a better squad again and getting in the play-offs is the minimum we would accept. We have a better team again and we should be going for it."

And the best teams he has seen in the Conference?

"Chester were a good side in the first season. They did well especially as they had Daryl Clare up front. Shrewsbury were a dour team who won 1-0 and drew 0-0 and that got them promoted - it shows sometimes you have to do that in this league. You will never get that with us, though, more like 4-3 or 4-1 to us or against us! Barnet were strong last season as well, even though we beat them at our place, but I think the best team I have come up against in the Conference has to be Chester."

He has seen many changes - and many characters come and go at the Interlink.

"I think the first season in the Conference, there was a lot of characters in the team. Dean Calcutt was an absolute nutter, who had a short fuse and you never knew what he was going to do next," he laughed. "And Hacker (Steve Halford) was not the most normal bloke I have ever met! And then there was Goucky (Andy Gouck). We were probably not as talented individually as we are now but we had a great team spirit. I think we were horrible to play against and it was an enjoyable season - with plenty of characters!"

And so now, with 98 games under his belt, the striker is hoping to notch up 99 tomorrow at Grays - and goal number 44.

"I hope so. Grays have started well and don't seem fazed by anything. But it should be a good game, they are a good side and we are one of the better sides in the league and we should give them problems going forward. And hopefully there will be plenty more games - and goals - to come from me."