Stanley boss John Coleman expects this afternoon’s game with Crawley Town to be a big test for his side despite the home team’s disappointing start to the season.

The Red Devils are 23rd in League Two with six points on the board.

But Coley feels they are a far better side than that suggests.

“It will be a difficult game,” he explained. “I watched them against Notts County and talk about odd games – they played really well in the first half and deservedly took the lead. I’ve always said you’ve got to score when you’re on top and they did.

“And then they conceded a sloppy goal from a throw-in and that was sort of a body blow that they never really recovered from, and they conceded a minute late. They found it difficult after that, but they are a threat. They’re a decent side and they’ve got good players and it will be a tough game for us.

“In our league it’s very difficult to win away from home for any team. Some teams, the likes of Morecambe, seem to thrive on it, they do a lot better away from home. But I think it’s hard to win away so every time you do you should realise it’s an achievement, and the more wins you can get away from home the better chances of you being successful.”

Former Kidderminster and Cheltenham manager Mark Yates is now at the helm at the Checkatrade Stadium and Coleman expects his opposite number to have his team well and truly ready for the game.

“Mark’s a good manager,” he said. “I like him and he’s got a good attitude towards the game. It will be an odd game for them because they’ll feel as though they should be beating Accrington at home and they will possibly set up a little bit differently than if they were playing one of the so-called top sides.

“It should lend itself to being a really attractive game with both teams trying to score goals.”