Accrington Stanley are enjoying their best start to the League Two season since they came into the Football League in 2006.

After 16 games, the Reds have 23 points which means they are enjoying their highest points total at this stage as compared to any other season.

“We aren’t getting carried away,” insisted boss John Coleman. “The first target is 30 points and then that is a platform to build on from there and make a push for the play-offs.”

Stanley’s highest finish in League Two was fifth place in 2010/11 but, after the first 16 games, they had only 17 points before they went on a run which saw them pick up 56 points in their final 30 games.

Stanley’s lowest points total in their Football League lives since 2006 has been 50 – in that first 2006/7 season where they finished 20th and then in 2008/9 campaign where they ended the season in 16th spot.

Stanley have been notoriously strong after Christmas, especially the last three seasons where they have lifted themselves from a relegation battle towards mid-table safety, finishing with 57 points and 14^th spot in 2011-12; 54 points and 18^th place the year after and last season, after a bad start and a spectacular finish, 57 points and 15^th spot under James Beattie.

It does show statistics don’t mean too much – but the Reds have definitely got a good base to build on this season.