ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman is praying that Tuesday's Conference Cup victory over York was not another false dawn and that it will really kick off his side's promotion chase.

The sixth placed Reds have had some good results this season and each time the manager has hoped it is the start of something good.

Instead things have backfired - like with last Saturday's 1-0 league loss at Tamworth - and now Coleman knows time is running out for his side and they have to get it right as soon as possible.

And he has promised some new faces to give the Reds an extra push as they enter a tough February facing fellow play-off hopefuls Scarborough, Exeter and Halifax as well as leaders Barnet in their next four league games.

"We have just got to keep battling away and, if we can get one or two faces in, come the end of the season, we can be where we belong which is in the play-offs," said the boss. "One or two fresh faces may give us a lift although the lads have lifted themselves with Tuesday's performance."

The Reds chief has got a number of targets but is keeping them a closely guarded secret until any deals are completed. It could also mean a couple of players leaving the club although it may be on hold as injuries and suspensions have hit Stanley in the last week.

The Reds, though, do have a rest this weekend which will give them a true reflection of where they are in the league with other teams playing their game in hand.

They were hoping to hold a match for the Tsunami appeal but nothing had happened as the Observer went to press.

"The weekend will give us time to take stock, then we can start kicking on a week on Saturday against Scarborough," said Coleman. "Everyone is cutting everyone's throat in this league at the moment as no one seems to want to get away with it."

But, before they start their league campaign again in earnest, Stanley face holders Morecambe on Tuesday in the Lancashire FA Marsden Cup quarter-final.

This is a repeat of last year's final and Shrimps legend Coleman admits that a trip to Christie Park is always special for him.

"It is my old club and, after last year when they beat us, we want to put one over on them for that.

"And I played for Jim Harvey so it adds more spice for me. It is also a good game for the fans and hopefully they will come and support us."

  • BURNLEY Reserves enjoyed a 2-0 win over Shrewsbury at the Interlink on Wednesday. They played at Stanley to avoid wear and tear on the Turf Moor pitch.
  • STANLEY Reserves travel to Northwich Victoria on Saturday afternoon.