ACCRINGTON Stanley could be at the top of the Conference table tonight - but they must beat one of their bogey teams first.

The Reds face struggling Forest Green Rovers following their euphoric 2-1 win over the previously unbeaten Grays Athletic last Saturday live on Sky and they could go top with a win, even if it is just until tomorrow.

But, in their four Conference meetings with the Brewers, Stanley have lost twice and won just once.

Loan signing Phil Edwards admitted, despite not taking part in previous Forest Green encounters, he is only too aware of what the Stanley of old have done against the lower sides.

"The manager has been saying that there is no point beating Grays and then losing to Forest Green," said 20-year-old defender Edwards.

"He has been talking about how we have struggled against the lower sides in the past. They are like us going to Grays. We are the favourites, Forest Green will make is as difficult as they can for us and to win the game is going to be hard.

"But there is nothing better than being in a winning team and we are all up for it.

"I haven't been on the losing side in the league yet with York and Grays so I am hoping I am something of a lucky charm!"

Manager John Coleman is trying to keep his side level headed after the Grays win - Stanley's 100th Conference match - which ended the Essex side's record of 15 games unbeaten and, although it kept the Reds in third place, it moved them within two points of top spot.

"Tonight is a really big game for us and we have to keep our feet on the ground," said Coleman. "I remember us having a great win at Dagenham in the past and then we had a hiccup after that and let ourselves down. We have got to make sure that doesn't happen again.

"We have got to do what we are good at which is playing attacking football and try and tighten up a bit at the back.

"I think most teams know that on our day we are a match for anybody but our problem is that we let ourselves down time and time again and that is what we have to guard against.

"We have done some silly things already this season and conceded far too many goals. We need to get our minds focused on what the job is about and that is playing the effective football we do, but getting more steel in our side.

"We have got four home games and people seem to get the false idea that that is 12 points but I am only looking at Forest Green. That is going to be a really tough game and I have to motivate the lads to get them up even more up for this game.

"We have struggled against them in the past and we have to get that mentality that it has got to mean a lot to win every game you play."

Coleman has said he may go into the transfer market after Mike Flynn went on loan to Hyde United and Chris Butler was released and joined Altrincham.

"We have to bring a couple of players in. There is no getting away from that," he said. "We are thin on the ground in midfield so we need to bring in a midfield player and a defender."

And goalkeeper Darren Randolph's loan spell ends next Saturday so Coleman will be hoping Danny Alcock is back.

Meanwhile, Edwards is pleased to be at Stanley after signing for a second month from Premiership surprise package Wigan Athletic.

"I am really enjoying it, everyone has welcomed me and it is good to play a few games. The Conference is a physical league with a number of good players and it isn't bad that I have been on television already. A few of my friends were jealous!

"But I am just happy to be playing and hopefully I will go back to Wigan and try and push for the first team, although it will be difficult as they are going so well."

He has certainly made an impact, diving in to block a Jamie Slabber goalbound shot in the final minute on Saturday to make sure Stanley kept the three points.

"I saw the ball fall to Slabber and I just ran behind Darren (Randolph). I didn't know too much about it but it hit me and hit the bar. I was grateful for that and the lads were too. It made a few people happy!".