STANLEY will have to beat what manager John Coleman has been told is the "best team in the league" when they travel to Hereford tomorrow.
The Bulls have been the surprise side of the division so far, in second place in the table and they claimed a big FA Cup scalp in Leeds in midweek.
There has always been rivalry between Stanley and Hereford going back to Conference days and Coleman admits he is an admirer of Graham Turner’s new-look side.
"I have been very surprised by how well they have done," said Coleman, after Turner had a huge clear-out at Edgar Street during the summer.
"I have had them watched a couple of times and every report has said they are the best team in the league.
"They have made a lot of changes from last season - I think they have only got two players still in the side - but they have gelled.
"Whether they continue to do so well between now and the end of the season remains to be seen.
"But they have two players in their back four who I would have liked in my team in Liverpool’s Robbie Threlfall and John McCombe, who I tried to get last season from Huddersfield. He was all ready to sign and then it didn’t go through so that was frustrating.
"And I know it will be a tough game.
"But we go there confident in our away form and we want to try and stay in the middle half of the table and then push on.
"About this time last year we faltered and so we have got to make sure we stay with the middle bunch."
Stanley’s success on their travels - they have taken 10 points out of the last 12 - is what is keeping them in mid-table at the moment as they have lost five of their eight home games in the league.
And Coleman admits he might change it around after several players impressed during the second strings 2-0 win over Blackpool in the Lanc-ashire Senior Cup on Tuesday.
One player hoping for get a re-call is midfielder David Brown who has tended to score against his former club and is hoping to get off the mark for the season at his old hunting ground.
"I have always done okay against them and it is always nice to go back to your former club," said the ex-Bull.
"I am not really surprised by their success as Hereford will always have good side’s under Graham Turner.
"One thing he does is have his team’s organised.
"They have a certain way of playing, they are very relaxed on the ball and like to pass it. And if they lose it, everyone knows their jobs to try and win the ball back.
"Even with all the changes, he has a mixture of youth and also has the experience of players like Steve Guinan.
"He tends to get people who have a point to prove and they are flying at the moment.
"It will be a tough game for us as they are in form and will be on a high after beating Leeds midweek.
"But we have done better away from home this season and that should help us go there positive."
Leam Richardson is also hoping to get back in the team after being left out of the 16 in the 1-0 loss to Rotherham on Saturday.
Sean Webb should have returned from international duty with Northern Ireland while striker Leighton McGivern has an abscess on his face.
* THE reserves are in action next Wednesday at home to Bury (Ko 2pm).
