Today’s matchup between Stanley and Mansfield Town, an unbeaten team, will be a good test for Stanley manager John Coleman.
With 10 points from their first six games, Nigel Clough’s team has enjoyed a respectable start to the current season after only missing out on a play-off spot the year before.
“Mansfield have got experienced players, a strong squad, spent a couple of quid which is good to see in our league,” Coleman said, according to the club website.
“It will be difficult, but we are certain that we can pull it off because they have good recruiting and are unbeaten.
“I’ve been impressed with our continuous improvement since the Gillingham game on the first day of the season. Forget the outcomes; what matters most is how we played, and hopefully we will keep it up this weekend.
“Last year, our home record cost us. Both our home form and playing style were off.
“But on Tuesday, when we played Carlisle for the EFL Trophy, we took the game to them, especially with our kicking.
“They are the 12th man, they suck the ball into the net, and we want to give them more days where it’s all-action.”
Jay Rich-Baghuelou will be watched after missing the last several games, while Joe Pritchard has resumed full contact training.
“A lot will depend on how Jay Rich trains over the next few days, and it’s a big day as Joe Pritchard has come back training with the first team, full contact, which is a boost,” Coleman continued.
“Like Jay Rich at the beginning of the season, it will be like a fresh signing. Everyone is aware of Joe’s skill, and we can only hope that moving forward he stays injury-free. He will undoubtedly make a difference thanks to his talent.
“It’s a fresh dawn for him; he has now experienced a few of these. I can sense his flame and his hunger. He had a very difficult season last year, so I am eager to see him rejoin the club.
Lewis Shipley will also return to training the following week, so the situation is not as dire as it was a few weeks ago when we had a mini-injury glut.