John Coleman says the prize for staying up is the same as winning League Two last season – and it should be treated the same.
It was party-time at the Wham Stadium last season as the Reds, against the odds, lifted the League Two trophy and secured promotion to League One.
Stanley need one point to ensure League One football next season with two games to go – starting with Plymouth Argyle tomorrow who are one point and one place above the drop zone.
“Some people might think we have under-performed and to an extent I agree,” said Coleman.
“We were fourth in the table in November but, by April, we are in a relegation battle and it is hard to take.
“But the prize for getting that point is the same as winning League Two last year – League One football - and we were all euphoric about that so it should be the same if we get over the line in our final two games.”
Stanley have only won four league games in 2019 after a good start to the campaign while Plymouth started off the new year on-fire, with four straight wins.
However, they have only won one of their last 10 games, losing their last four, and need to win their last two games to guarantee their own survival in League One.
“Our form and their form sums up the league,” said Coleman. “You go with players who are tried and trusted and sometimes circumstances conspire against you.
“I think luck has a big role to play. You could say we had some luck with Doncaster hitting the woodwork on Tuesday but we don't feel we have had a lot of luck this season.
“For example, in the third minute against Luton, we commit a foul, it's a penalty the referee awards it.
“In the third minute against Rochdale, they handball it, it's a penalty but it's not given. Games change on bits of luck here and there and it's out of your control.
“You see it up and down the country and you can't govern that.
“It has been hard being in a relegation battle and it affects my home life and I am sure the players' home life as well.
“We need to win the game tomorrow, it's as simple as that, and that's what we will be trying to do as always.”