ACCRINGTON Stanley refuse to give up hope of playing in the Football League next season despite a run of one win in seven league games.
The Reds are one of ten clubs who this week applied to join the Football League next season should they win promotion.
"There is hope yet," said chairman Eric Whalley. "Ten clubs have applied - the top ten - and with 11 games left and 33 points to play for we won't give up."
It means Stanley are desperate to get all three points on Saturday from their trip to relegation-threatened Farnborough.
After four games without a win, the Reds have slipped to tenth place and are seven points off the play-offs. But for boss John Coleman and his players, a win on Saturday will renew the confidence for the final push.
"We will never give up," said midfielder Paul Cook. "There are always one or two shocks towards the end of the season and we have to seize on that. If we can win two or three games on the spin then things can quickly change."
This view was echoed by Coleman who is hoping his players will bounce back following the 2-2 draw with bottom club Northwich on Saturday.
"It is another vital game for us. We have got to get back to winning ways. We have picked up three points out of our last 12 and that is not good enough. We have worked on a few things in training and hopefully we will put that into practise on Saturday."
"We went on a 14 game unbeaten run earlier in the season so we know we are capable of doing it. We have got to take our chances and tighten up all over the park."
Defenders Steve Hollis and Robbie Williams are both suspended. Hollis is out for two games while Williams sits out the second of a five match ban.
But captain Peter Cavanagh is back following a five game ban while Coleman is also looking at Darran Kempson's situation. The teenage centre back has another week left on his one month "loan" from Preston.
"He has done well since he has been here and can get even better."
Meanwhile, Stanley's Lancashire FA Marsden Cup final against Conference rivals Morecambe will be played over two legs.The first leg, at the Interlink, will be on Tuesday, 30 March and the second, the Tuesday after at Morecambe.
"It is the first two legged final for a major county cup competition and it should be a good one," said the chairman.
"We wanted it to be over two legs so more people can come and watch at Accrington or Morecambe."
"I lost the toss so we had to play the first leg at home but I am sure it will be an entertaining final against the two top non league clubs in Lancashire."
Coleman admitted he was ready to lock horns again with his former club.
"It will be a big occasion and we will try our best to win it."
Stanley won the competition two years ago when they beat Barrow at Morecambe in the final.
Cook wasn't involved with the Reds then but is looking forward to a final appearance.
"It is good for the club to be a final, good for the lads and it would be nice to win some silverware this season," he said.
The prices for the game will be the same as for Conference games.
- STANLEY'S Lancashire League table topping reserves are in action on Friday at Great Harwood against Burscough. Kick off is 7.30pm.
