John Coleman is aiming for a run of wins over the festive period to shoot back up a tight League One table – starting at Southend United tomorrow.
The Reds have lost their last three league games and last Saturday's home game with Sunderland was abandoned after 72 minutes with the score at 1-1.
They are currently in 12th place on 28 points with Southend three places below on 26 points.“The table is tight and a couple of wins and we will be back in the mix but a couple of defeats and we will be looking below us,” said Coleman.
“It's a busy period but we just have to take it one game at a time.
“It does show how tight the table is in that we have taken just a couple of points out of the last six games and we haven't dramatically dropped down the table.
“We have to get through this sticky patch and a couple of wins will do everyone the world of good.
“If we hit our peak we will give anyone a game and we want to get back into the mix.”
Southend, managed by Chris Powell, have lost five of their last six League One games while the Reds haven't won in five league games, with two draws in that, with both sides on the hunt for three points.
Stanley had a bad run in December last year and Coleman is hoping they bounce back quickly this season.
“We had a bad December last year but this year we have swapped it for November – hopefully this means we will be ok in December.
“We have watched Southend and we will dissect how they play and hopefully come up with a plan to beat them.
“I always say draws get you into trouble, it's great when it stops the bleeding but we have to get back to the winning football games. We have won in the cups and that breeds confidence so hopefully we will take that into the league.”
Stanley are hoping to have striker Billy Kee fit – he limped off against Sunderland – and defender Michael Ihiekwe back after he missed the game against the Black Cats.