John Coleman may cast an admiring glance at Portsmouth crowds but on the pitch he is confident his Stanley side can do the double over Pompey.

Fratton Park has regularly seen crowds of more than 15,000 this season and the former Premier League club are using these resources to try and move back up the leagues.

But, even with one of the lowest budgets in the Football League, Stanley overcame Pompey 3-2 in December – and Coleman is aiming for a Reds to do the double over a team for the first time this season.

Andy Awford’s side are just one point and two places ahead of Stanley.

“My brother made a salient point a couple of months ago when he said ‘we have to play all season to get the people through the door that Portsmouth get in two games,'” said Coleman.

“They get more in two games than what we get all season. So to be able to compete with them and beat them is a feather in our players’ caps.

“I remember being thrilled about playing former Premier League side Bradford in the league not so long ago and there were some big sides in the Conference as well.

“I got my first taste of Fratton Park in December and to win there in front of a big crowd as well was great.

“Our players should be proud of the achievements they’ve had so far but want to strive for more and get higher up the table.”

Coleman admits the small crowds are a worry at Stanley but is keen for his team to produce entertaining football and challenge higher up the league to attract more to the Store First Stadium.

“We can’t wave a magic wand and all of a sudden the crowds will dramatically increase,” said Coleman.

“But, with the fans we have here, there is a special relationship. They know how approachable we are and where we have come from and to maintain our status is testament to the spirit of the club, the spirit of the fans and the hard work of the people behind the scenes who keep the club afloat.

“This season we have had some hard-earned wins and some stylish entertaining victories and we can really be challenging at the top end of the table if we eliminate our mistakes. This season can act as a learning curve and maybe we can do it this season.”