TWO clean sheets and now Accrington Stanley's defence have to silence the main man - Conference top scorer Giuliano Grazioli.

With 12 goals this season, the Barnet sharp-shooter is favourite for the Golden Boot especially as the Bees are top of the league and scoring for fun.

But the hitman didn't get past the Reds backline in the two clashes last season - and boss John Coleman wants another shut-out.

"We made sure he didn't score against us last season - in fact they didn't score at all - so the same again would be very nice," said Coleman.

"They are in a rich vein of form at the moment and are one of the best teams in the league but we always tend to play better against the so-called "better" teams.

"They have quality in their side and it looks like they have improved from last season but we will know how good they are after tomorrow (Saturday)."

And the Reds could have a new keeper in the line-up at Underhill as Stanley have renewed their interest in Leigh RMI keeper Paul Crichton.

Coleman was expected to talk to the former Burnley shot-stopper on Thursday, following Leigh manager Phil Starbuck's resignation.

"Paul has a good pedigree and we will, hopefully, be talking about a contract until the end of the season," said the manager.

Regular goalie Jon Kennedy is still around six weeks away from fitness following his broken leg which leaves Stanley with just one keeper, Danny Alcock, although he looked assured against Northwich.

If Crichton does come, he will find Stanley are on a much-needed high following Saturday's 5-0 thrashing of Northwich.

It was a huge boost after a run of one win in eight games prior to that and it has moved the Reds up to third in the Conference.

Lee McEvilly was the hat-trick hero and the striker says they have no fear of the league leaders.

"There are a lot of good teams which shows with us jumping from eighth to third with Saturday's win - it shows how close and good the league is," said the Northern Ireland international."But we have just got to hang in there and get a result at Barnet - a draw is a decent result but I think we are good enough to go there and win."

Coleman admitted his frontman is still celebrating after his first Accrington hat-trick.

"Scoring goals is obviously a boost for any striker and it will have done Lee's confidence the world of good," said the boss.

And Paul Mullin will be aiming to repeat his scoring feats against the Bees as, when Stanley won 2-0 at home last season, he scored both.

The hitman hasn't scored in six games but does already have eight goals for the season.

"I remember as a striker I went 17 games without scoring but then they all came at once - I scored one on the Saturday and four on the Tuesday - and hopefully that will happen to Paul," said Coleman.

"What we have got to remember is that Paul was never signed to score goals. He was signed to lead the line, a job that he does really well. But he has shown he is more than capable of scoring goals as well - and he will."

And Stanley have been boosted with the news that winger Rory Prendergast could be back a week tomorrow against Canvey Island following his hernia operation.

Meanwhile Coleman has watched on Reds' defender Steve Halford play on loan for Radcliffe during the week. Halford has got good reports from his first two games for the UniBond side.

"He did well," said Coleman. "It is ideal for him to get his fitness back as they have a lot of games."

And the boss is still looking to add further to his squad. "I watch everything from Coca Cola games to Academy games and I have got my eye on a couple of players," he added.