JOHN Coleman has recalled keeper Jon Kennedy from his loan spell at Witton Albion as Danny Alcock is injured.

"There were a couple of things but Danny took a bang to his head in training so we have recalled Jon," confirmed the Stanley manager.

Keeper Kennedy had just two games at the UniBond side after he was sent to get match practice last weekend. The former Sunderland shot-stopper hasn't featured for the Reds in the league since he broke his leg in October although he has been on the bench for a couple of cup games.

"It was a short loan spell but it is good to be involved at Accrington again before the end of the season," said the 24-year-old.

And Kennedy might have a key role to play between now and the end of the season although Coleman confirmed regular keeper Paul Crichton was still at the club yesterday despite reports to the contrary. "He hasn't left," said the boss.

Meanwhile, transfer deadline passed on Thursday with Coleman expecting no activity at the Interlink. "There will be no new signings," confirmed the boss.

Instead, he says, his current side will work on cutting out mistakes from corners which have cost them in their last two matches.

The Reds have conceded three goals from flag kicks and Coleman knows they cannot carry this on in their last five games if they are to secure a top five place.

"Sides will always force corners in games and if you can't defend them, then it is trouble," said the boss.

"It is a concern and one we need to address. The sad thing is that in training, we put 500 corners in and no one will score. We just seem to go to sleep in a match situation."

And the Reds chief is backing his recently signed striker David Brown to get his first Stanley goal soon.

"He is an intelligent player, he is always a threat and goals will come," he said.

Meanwhile the boss is pleased striker Paul Mullin keeps finding the back of the net as the hitman has scored four in four games - and has 18 league goals for the season now.

"Paul has the heart of a lion," said Coleman. "He works hard and never gives less than 100 per cent.

"He scored a great goal against York on Monday although he did take a kick up the backside so we have had to wrap him in cotton wool all week."

  • THE Nationwide Conference has confirmed the dates for the end-of-season play-offs. The first legs will be on 2 May, with the sides finishing fourth and fifth at home. The return legs, against the sides finishing third and second respectively, will be played on 5 May.

The final, scheduled for the Britannia Stadium unless Stoke City reach the Championship play-offs, will be on Saturday or Sunday, 14 or 15 May.

  • THERE are still places on the Stanley Ultras coach to Crawley on Saturday which will leave the Crown Pub at 7am, cost £20. Contact Cammy on 07843 057507; Jase on 07788 716164 or Bubs on 07952 924802.
  • STANLEY will travel to Stalybridge Celtic in the Northern Final of the GLS Cup after the Conference North strugglers won 2-1 at Morecambe on Wednesday. The date has yet to be confirmed. Woking await the winners.