ACCRINGTON Stanley make their first trip to the new £6.4m Pirelli Stadium tomorrow hoping for better luck than they had at Eton Park.
Burton have moved a short way to their new home and the Reds pray it ends what has been an indifferent time at the Brewers' former ground where the Reds drew twice and lost in the FA Trophy, in their three Conference trips there.
The two sides have a long history, competing in the UniBond League together not so many years ago, and manager John Coleman is looking forward to the trip - although he couldn't resist a joke first.
"I think it will be very tyre-ing!" he laughed, of the Pirelli trip. "But there is always a bit of needle between us and Burton but I do get on with a few of their fans quite well now! We haven't had much luck there. I think the last time we won was when I rose like a salmon and bulleted one in the top corner of the net (in the Peter Swailes Shield in 2002)!
"But our draw there last season, after we were 2-0 up and had blown them away, was so disappointing. It was probably the end of our promotion hopes as we never recovered from that between then and the end of the season. So it would be nice to put that right as we are only a couple of points from the top two or three and if we can nick a win we will be up there."
The Reds are currently in eighth place, four points off the top, after they beat Woking 2-1 on Saturday and all eyes will be on new international signing Romuald Boco on Saturday.
The Benin captain showed some silky skills in the 4-0 Hyndburn Trophy win over Great Harwood midweek and is expected to be involved on Saturday, once his international clearance is confirmed, despite coming off with cramp.
"He showed some good touches and scored a great solo goal," said Coleman. "It is never good to build people up as they can get knocked down but he has a good attitude, good appetite for the game, is a bright kid and wants to do well.
"He complemented Andy Mangan well on Tuesday because Mangy's pace allows him to get the ball to feet but so will Paul Mullin's strength and David Brown's intelligence. He can play with all our forwards."
French-speaking Boco, who has moved from French Second Division side Chamios Niortais, admitted: "It was good to be playing again, I really enjoyed myself and to score a goal made the night perfect."
While Boco has been a big boost, Coleman is gutted about Andy Tretton's injury. The defender was this season's first signing from Hereford and did well until he jarred his knee against Preston pre-season.
Since then he hasn't played and Coleman admitted: "It has been dragging on. We have given him a full week off to rest and, if it isn't any better, he will see a specialist today. We obviously hope he won't need an operation."
And the Reds boss is hoping his keeper crisis isn't going to take another twist. Former Welsh international Andy Dibble, 40, played against Harwood but tweaked his thigh and Stanley don't want to add another goalie to their list after signing on eight already this season. "I hope the jinx hasn't struck again," said Coleman. "But Andy has been signed as a player and a coach. He has great enthusiasm, has a presence and is a good influence on the lads."
Meanwhile Coleman is hoping to extend the loan spell of Charlton keeper Darren Randolph, the Republic of Ireland Under 19 goalie, which finishes at the end of September. "We want to extend it but there is a problem with the European Championships as he would be away for 12 days so we will have to look into that," he said.
Coleman also confirmed ex-Everton keeper Craig Gallagher is still training with the squad and that broken arm victim Danny Alcock should be back in four-six weeks.
Meanwhile, Dibble, who has been at 16 clubs, admits he is enjoying a new lease of life at Stanley.
"I am delighted with the move," said Dibble, who is on a non-contract basis. "The club is geared for success and working hard to get into the Football League so this is a positive step for me. We'll give it a good go. I've been quietly impressed with the standard of the football. There is not much difference to League Two.
"A lot of clubs have goalkeeper coaches and it also gives me a chance to play. I'd be happy to play 20 games this season and the same next season - I think playing until 42 is enough. I don't want to stand in the way of youth but I'm here if they need me."
