Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman knows his side can’t afford many more slip-ups as they chase a coveted top seven spot.

The Reds have dropped to 13th in the league after Darran Kempson scored an own goal to lose to struggling Torquay on Saturday.

It means Stanley have just one win in five games and, after being the form team in League Two, have dropped down the rankings.

They are still in a decent position - eight points out of the play-offs with games in hand on most teams - but Coleman knows his side can’t afford many more mistakes.

And that starts tomorrow against fellow promotion-chasers Notts County who occupy that seventh spot and are currently going well under ex-Burnley boss Steve Cotterill.

"It’s hard to say any game is bigger than another as all are massive at the moment but I think it’s better that we are playing a higher profile team as we have struggled against those below us recently," said the Reds boss.

"I said to the lads after the game on Saturday that we can’t keep passing up opportunities as eventually we will run out of games and points to play for so we have got to get back to winning ways quickly.

"We know Notts County are a good side and Steve Cotterill has inherited a lot of good player and there is no doubt it will be difficult but we have got to get back on track.

"It’s still all there to play for and all we can do is hopefully get back to winning ways and see where that takes us.

"I know we have dropped down in the table but I haven’t looked at it as I am still sulking after Saturday’s defeat."

Despite the late, late own goal, Coleman felt there were some positives to take out of the 2-1 loss.

Michael Symes broke his own mini-goal drought of seven games without a goal to fire home his 15th goal of the season and Coleman admitted: "That was important. It might have not turned out to be worth any points but now he has got one hopefully that’s a monkey off his back."

The Reds chief was also impressed with young winger Chris Turner who made a huge difference when he came off the bench, providing the cross for the equaliser and being a constant threat.

"Chris did play really well when he came on and he did enough to threaten for a first team place."

And he has backed Kempson to bounce back after two own goals in three games which have led to Stanley dropping two points although loan defender Johnny Flynn, who played for Northern Ireland Under 21s with Billy Kee in a 3-0 win over San Marino this week, is pushing him for a starting place.

"We will have to have a look at that in training this week," said the Reds boss.

Coleman was not able to sign the Premier League defender he was chasing last week as Stanley got a temporary player embargo as they hadn’t paid the £30,000 tax bill from last month.

The club blamed the postponement of a number of home games and it is expected to be paid shortly with the Reds boss confident he will be able to his squad soon.

"I am looking everywhere," continued Coleman. "I went to the Blackburn against Everton Youth Cup quarter-finals on Monday, then went to Rochdale v Rotherham on Tuesday and Morecambe reserves on Wednesday night.

"We also had a behind closed doors friendly against Wrexham on Wednesday, which was convenient for both sides so I have had a good look at the squad."

Coleman will need his squad fighting fit as the Reds have eight league games in March - six of them at home - which could shape this season’s destiny.

l STANLEY’S home clash with Burton, postponed last week, has been rescheduled for Tuesday 23 March ko 7.45pm