CONFERENCE: Coleman hoping for Stanley promotion push

Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman believes his side's crucial victory over play-off rivals Halifax on Monday has rekindled their hopes of promotion.

The Lancashire side's 2-1 win at the Shay moved them up to eighth in the Nationwide Conference table, level on points with their beaten opponents and just three points behind third-placed Hereford.

Coleman was delighted to see his side come back from a goal down to win the match, which was televised live on Sky Sports, and he admitted afterwards: "This was a game we could not afford to lose. With their games in hand, Halifax could have put us to bed but we are now right back in the hunt with them and the rest for the play-offs.

"We have got to get on a run and keep ourselves in the chasing pack."

Halifax have two games in hand on Accrington but will not be playing this weekend due to the fact that their scheduled opponents Exeter are playing Manchester United in the FA Cup third round. That gives Stanley the chance to go ahead of the Shaymen as they entertain Farnborough.