Previewing Accrington Stanley

Exactly a month on from the 3-2 defeat at Accrington, it is the reverse fixture in a game neither side can afford not to win.

We may be clutching at straws with our own play-off 'push' but for as long as we win our home game, we will always stand a chance. A win tonight could still take us to within one point of the top seven, depending on other results of the evening.

Accrington meanwhile harbour more realistic play-off dreams. They currently have two games in hand over much of the division, including ourselves, and sit just three points off the top 7 as it stands.

However, they struggle with very familiar problems. Despite a solid home form that has seen them win their last five home games, they have struggled with just one win in their last five away game.

Dario Gradi:

'In the end it all comes down to money with the richer clubs winning more games than the poorer clubs, but Accrington are right in there.

'They take great pride in their club. The ground is an old fashioned one, but it is always neat and tidy. It's spotless and they are a club who look after themselves with the resources they have available.

'They are a dangerous team and play good football. The match at their place was a tight one and could have gone either way on the night and I'm sure this one will be the same.'

Sean McConville:

"We never got into the top seven last season and that`s definitely what we want to do this time.

"If we cement ourselves in there then not only will we be looking at the play-offs but with the form we`re in, we can look even higher. Crewe is another cup final for us."

Dario looks set to chop and change again after defeat at Oxford. Adam Dugdale's mistake for the second Oxford strike looks to have cost him whilst an extra spark going forward could well be found in Danny Shelley.

Likely Team: Taylor, Ada, Artell, AM Westwood, Blanchett, Shelley, Bell, Westwood, Murphy, Miller, Donaldson.

From zero to hero to bench ridden, looks likely to start tonight and will be looking to build on his impressive second half against Southend.

Stanley are likely to remain unchanged from their weekend win over Vale with a fully fit squad.

Likely side: Cisak, Winnard, Edwards, Hessey, Jacobson, Procter, Joyce, Ryan, Craney, McConville, Gornell

A huge threat from set plays, Edwards is Stanley's top scorer with 11 goals... and he's a centre back!

Crewe and Accy met regularly up until the collapse of the original Accrington Stanley in the 1960's.

After 50 years apart, and just the one early 90's Cup game reunion, we are back with regular meetings.

Taking into account the old and the new, Accrington have still had the upper hand with 31 league wins over us to our 26 league wins over them. There's only ever been 8 draws between the two.

Referee will be David Coote. He will be assisted by A Hutchinson and D Plowright and fourth official will be M Weaver.

Crewe 2-0 Accrington

Hereford away on SUNDAY. 3PM kick off.

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