John Coleman says his team have now set the standard with their performance against Chesterfield – and he expects to see more of the same against Cheltenham tomorrow.
Coleman described Stanley's show against Chesterfield in the Checkatrade EFL Trophy as ‘breathtaking' as the Reds charged to a 4-1 win against the League One side.
Now it's back to League Two action against the Robins, who have won one league game this season and will be looking to kick start their own campaign after promotion last season.
“It will be a totally different game tomorrow but what I saw on Tuesday were players enjoying playing football again,” said Coleman.
“I think it can become a chore if it's not going to plan and things aren't going right but for 90 minutes on Tuesday, I think everyone who was there enjoyed it and hopefully that will make them want to do it again.”
Stanley had gone on a five game unbeaten league run but lost to Cambridge last Saturday so Coleman knows it's important to bounce back with two successive home games now.
“You have days like Cambridge,” continued the Reds boss. “You have got to learn from them and it's all about how you respond.
“Cheltenham is an important game for us as we need to get our home form right. We never expected to lose to Morecambe and Exeter at home but we did and every game is difficult.
“I had Cheltenham watched when they beat Everton Under 21s midweek in the EFL Trophy and I have seen a couple of DVDs of them. They will be a handful like most teams in this league, no one is going to roll over for you.
“It's only early in the season. You only have to look at Cambridge – they couldn't buy a win but now they have won four on the bounce and this league is so tight that it changes pretty quickly.
“I am a bit disappointed in our league position of 12th place. With the games we have played and our performances, I expect us to be higher but we are where we are.“That's why it's important to bounce back and put a run together to get to where I believe we should be.”
Stanley are without defender Janoi Donacien and winger Sean McConville through one-match bans after picking up five yellow cards.
However captain Seamus Conneely, winger John O'Sullivan and striker Shay McCartan are expected to be back in contention. Experienced striker Gary Taylor-Fletcher is also battling for a starting place after scoring on his Stanley debut at Chesterfield.