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Club News

Silence 'The Beast': Coley

20 November 2017

Club News

Silence 'The Beast': Coley

20 November 2017

John Coleman knows all about the threat posed by Adebayo Akinfenwa as Stanley take on Wycombe tomorrow night.

Akinfenwa, nicknamed 'The Beast', has found the back of the net 10 times for Wanderers this season and has a habit of scoring against the Reds - he has scored seven times against Stanley since 2012/13 during spells at Northampton, AFC Wimbledon and his current club.

Coleman knows all about Akinfenwa's record and says the powerful forward, who scored three times against Stanley last season, doesn't receive the acclaim that his ability deserves.

"He probably likes playing against us as he has a good record," he said."People think he's just a big man who knocks people about but he's quite an insightful player and he passes the ball well.

"He holds it up, brings people into the game and he's got a good touch. He doesn't get the credit that he deserves for the footballer that he is.

"If you look at some of the passes that he makes in the build up to their goals on Saturday, that's a side of his game that isn't recognised enough."

Coleman and his side found themselves frustrated at home to Newport on Saturday and the manager admits that he is searching for the answer to end their recent dry spell in front of goal.

"We need to increase our chances of being lucky by spending more time in the opposition's box and having more shots on goal," said Coleman. "It's difficult in this league to try and play the style of football that we play.

"They [Wycombe] have some good players and they've made a good start, but people need to keep the faith a bit more, when is all is said and done we're still above Wycombe in the league.

"It's difficult in this league to try and play the style of football that we play, you're not allowed to, they will be very physical and set up in a certain way to try and stop you.

"We've got to be mindful that teams will come here to stop us playing and it's our job to come up with a plan B and plan C."

Coleman also confirmed that Seamus Conneely remains a big doubt following his groin tear in training last week.


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