John Coleman says his side have to get ‘back to basics’ as they make the long trip to Southend on Saturday looking for their second League One win of the campaign.
The Shrimpers, who have caretaker manager Gary Waddock in charge, won their first league match against MK Dons last weekend as they look, like Stanley, to make a run up the table.
The Reds are currently in 19th place, three points ahead of 21st place Southend.
“It has been a frustrating start but we have performed quite well away from home. We could have won at Wimbledon, at Bristol Rovers and against Wycombe we were mugged,” said Coleman.
“The positive is we are scoring goals and we are not playing badly but it is a worry that we aren’t winning games at the moment.
“We have to get back to basics. You aren’t always punished for one mistake but, in one passage of play, we can make four or five and it can end up in a goal. If one of them doesn’t happen, it isn’t a goal and we have to defend and attack as a team.
“We have to get our organisation right as that has cost us this season and we are always striving to improve.
“You have to keep going, you don’t just abandon things because they don’t work, you have to do what you believe is correct and if these players do not do it, some other players will.
“Players don’t set out to make mistakes, as a manager you can get embroiled in this and get upset and blame them but they aren’t doing it on purpose.
“As the management, we have to come up with systems, ideas and formations so we have to take responsibility as well but when they cross the white line, we can’t make the decisions for the players.”
Coleman has some good news as striker Offrande Zanzala could be back after recovering from an injury which has hindered him since pre-season.
“Ozzy came through a tough training session on Monday and I expect him to be involved on Saturday.
“Ozzy is a smashing lad, he has great enthusiasm, he has a great manner about him and always has a smile on his face. I really do think he will be a top player.”
Striker Colby Bishop will have a late fitness test.