STANLEY assistant boss Jimmy Bell says it has been non stop work on the defence this week in a bid to shut-up shop.

The Reds have the worst defensive record in League Two and Bell says it has been all about defending from front to back on the training ground this week.

"We have been working on concentration," said Bell. "We can't just concentrate for 80 minutes and then make a silly mistake or have a sending off at a crucial time and then end up chasing the game. That is what has been happening to us.

"We have got to make sure we are switched on for the full 90 minutes. If we are solid at the back, we know we can always score goals."

And he is praying for what will be only their third league clean sheet of the season in their huge game at bottom club Macclesfield tomorrow (Sat).

"I do feel upbeat. I feel we have done a good week's work and I am expecting to see it tomorrow.

"We approach all games the same - as there are only the same three points up for grabs - but people will look on Macclesfield as a massive match. They will be full of confidence and they have been on a little bit of a run but they are bottom of the table and so we have nothing to fear."

Stanley have two suspensions with Robbie Williams, who will miss his first league game of the season, and Shaun Whalley banned while Rommy Boco is still recovering from a back injury.

There may also be a change of goalkeepers with Rob Elliot looking set to get the nod for his first league start this season over Ian Dunbavin.

"It is a possibility," said Bell.

Meanwhile the club have confirmed their interest in More-cambe's 10-goal winger Michael Twiss, mentioned in last week's Observer, who is out of contract in the summer.

"It is no secret that we wanted him before but he chose Morecambe above us," said Bell. "He is definitely the calibre of player we are looking at. We have four or five targets as we need to bring stability to the back four and we are also looking at a forward. We will look at any decent player who is available."

  • STANLEY travel to Rochdale in the Lancashire Senior Cup on Monday (KO 7pm). The second string lost 1-0 to Blackpool on Wednesday.