ACCRINGTON Stanley goalkeeper David Martin has been involved in a relegation battle before - and he is hoping for the same outcome with the Reds.

Stanley face what has been billed as "the biggest match in their history" when they take on fellow relegation candidates Macclesfield at home tomorrow.

A win in the survival scrap and the Reds are safe thanks to their goal difference over Macclesfield.

But anything else will leave it to the final match of the season to avoid an immediate drop back into the Conference.

Liverpool shot-stopper Martin was on loan at MK Dons as they were perilously close to relegation from League One in 2004/5.

"It came to the last game of the season and I think we scored a late goal at Tranmere to stay up that season so I am becoming accustomed to relegation battles - but, that season, we did survive!" said the 21-year-old, who is on loan at the FES until the end of the season.

"I don't mind them, though - it is another string to my bow to show I can handle the pressure.

"We all know that if we win tomorrow we stay up and there is such a lot riding on the game.

"If we lose we become dependent on other results but it still won't be the end of the world. We will keep going until the end.

"I do get nervous - I get nervous before every game but I think it is a good sign and I am really enjoying it at Accrington.

"At Liverpool, I was playing reserve games but it is not the same as playing first team games here every week and being involved in all the camaraderie, the build-up and the matches.

"I am better for it and I want to do well for the team and we have had a good run at home since I arrived - I just wish we could do it away from home."

Martin's first full 90 minutes was the Torquay game in mid-March - then billed as a potential relegation decider for the Reds - so he has had to get used to the big occasions in Stanley's recent history.

"That was a big game to come into but I was more worried about just doing well for the team.

"In a strange way, you would prefer to be involved in games like this and have something to play for. It is great getting the experience but it is a test."

And one thing he doesn't really want is for Stanley to have to win at his old club MK Dons in the final game of the season.

"I am from Essex so I have a lot of friends and family coming to watch me there.

"But all I ever do is try and do the best I can and play my own game and hopefully impress anyone who is watching.

"I am lucky to have had experience at MK Dons. I have seen what it is like on the other side - away from Liverpool.

"It is probably harder for Godwin (Antwi) as he has only ever known the Premiership but I think we have both done okay and we are all trying to keep Accrington up."

Boss John Coleman is hoping to keep himself - and his players - calm ahead of the crunch clash.

"I am nervous but the situation is still in our own hands. It is going to be on a par with the Farsley Celtic game when we had to win to clinch the UniBond First Division title.

"We have done well at home and Macclesfield haven't done so well away from home but it will all count for nothing.

"If we don't get a result then everything is in the lap of the Gods. We have got to get our heads down. This season has been disappointing as I think we have enough quality in the side to not be where we are, but we are there and we have just got to knuckle down now.

"I have never thought we were okay even with our home wins - other people might have - there has always been pressure on and it is no different tomorrow. But it should be a good atmosphere. I wish I could be playing as it will be hard watching but the players have to embrace and relish it."

Winger Shaun Whalley (hamstring) is a doubt while Andy Mangan - who scored the late equaliser in the 3-3 draw at Macclesfield - is suspended.

l ANDY TRETTON has been forced to retire. The defender signed from Hereford in June 2005 but has been hampered by a knee injury, playing 13 games.