Stanley boss John Coleman has urged his side to pick up a ‘vital' three points in their League Two curtain raiser with Colchester United on Saturday.
The Reds beat John McGreal's side home and away last season but Coleman is under no illusions that they will provide a stern opening day test for his men, at The Wham Stadium.
After rounding off their pre-season campaign with a 5-0 win at Southport last Saturday, Stanley head into the new season with confidence high.
“It's been a really good week for us,” said Coleman. “We've put in a lot of hard work in training and winning the game at Southport was a big plus at an important time.
“The way in which we won the game was particularly pleasing, we scored goals, created chances and we worked hard.
“To see that intensity and desire continue into training has been good, there have certainly been steps made in the right direction this week.
“It's vital for confidence that we get off to a good start on Saturday, to achieve what we all want, which is promotion, then you have to take the small steps and make sure you're picking up three points early on in the season.
“Colchester will provide tough opposition, like us they finished the season really well and they'll be organised and make it difficult for us. But we know that when we get it right on our home ground, we can beat anybody.”
Defender Janoi Donacien limped off during the second half of the win last Saturday, but Coleman insists he has a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the weekend.
“Janoi has trained this week,” he said. “It was only a little knock from a tough challenge, he was taken off as a precaution and we were actually planning on making a substitution anyway, so there are no problems there.
“We've managed to keep everybody fit and ready which is always a plus when your coming out of a tough pre-season.”
Coleman also confirmed that he is still looking to add new faces to his squad before the deadline at the end of this month.
“We're still in the market,” he added. “I'm hoping we can bring in two or three, either before the weekend or in the early stages of next week."