ACCRINGTON new boy Chris King thinks Stanley can be the surprise package this season.

The Reds have moved up to seventh with two wins out of their three League Two clashes so far and look to continue the run at Gillingham tomorrow.

"At the start of the season, I read that the bookmakers didn’t tip us to do very well and it does make you want to go out and do something about it and prove them wrong," said King who is having his first taste of League football with the Reds.

"And I think we can, especially with the way we have played in the last two games.

"We could be one of the unexpected teams this season that does well and are there or thereabouts and hopefully we can continue our form."

The left back admitted all the Stanley team want to make sure they keep a clean sheet tomorrow as manager John Coleman promised Kenny Arthur he would wear a kilt if the Scottish keeper didn’t concede a league goal in three successive league games - so far he has two.

"We definitely want the gaffer to get his legs out so we will be doing our best to make sure we keep a clean sheet.

"The lads will be throwing their bodies in front of every shot!" said the 27-year-old.

"I will be delighted to be in that situation," admitted Coleman.

King signed for Accrington from Welsh side TNS and had been receiving high praise, especially from Coleman who called him the "find of the season."

King said: "I am just really enjoying it at the moment. I didn’t expect to get in the side straight away but I had a good pre-season and it has carried on from there.

"I went from playing in the Welsh League to playing on two of the biggest pitches I have ever played on at Wolves and Port Vale and it has been brilliant.

"But I thought we fully deserved to win at Port Vale, who were in League One last season, and now it is up to us to carry it on.

"The league is a high tempo and you don’t get too much time to relax but it is a great experience."

He admits that the defence - who have leaked just one league goal this season - are helping each other out.

"I have the legs and Colin (Murdock) has the experience. He has a good, old head on his shoulders and it is great to play alongside someone like him. We have kept it tight and you learn from people like that and I am learning all the time.

"I just cannot wait for my first league goal now. I got three last season for TNS and I should have had about eight so now I am going to beg the gaffer to go up for corners but I don’t know what I will do if score!"

Coleman is pleased with the Reds’ start to the season - and the home show in the 2-0 win over Macclesfield on Saturday - but will not look too far ahead.

"Six points out of nine is acceptable but we won’t get carried away. Now we want to try and get at least 12 points out of 18 and so on.

"What really pleased me on Saturday was, for a half hour spell, we really kept our foot on the gas for a long period. We sometimes do that away from home but haven’t been doing it at home."

Coleman continued: "But we have got to keep learning from our experiences.

"There are areas we could improve on from Saturday and we have looked at the video and we need to build on it and try to replicate that half an hour for the full game."

Bobby Grant has had his operation on his knee and could be out for seven or eight weeks while Leam Richardson is struggling with a pulled stomach muscle and is a doubt.

DESPITE Stanley’s recent good form bookmakers are not as confident of a Stanley success at Gillingham - bet365 pricing Coleman’s men at 7/2 to land three points and Sportingbet marking 4/5 against a home win. Travelling fans may fancy Accrington to nick a draw (12/5, Betfred) while, after two consecutive 2-0 triumphs, anyone who fancy Stanley for three points could try Coral’s 14/1 about Coleman's troops shading it 2-1. Paul Mullin is 15/2 (bet365) to grab his fourth in as many games by opening the scoring. Odds supplied by www.betrescue.com.

STANLEY’S reserves play their first home game of the season against Macclesfield at the FES next Wednesday (ko 7pm).