Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman is looking for a repeat of the same atmosphere from Saturday as Doncaster Rovers visit the Wham Stadium tomorrow night.
The Reds manager was full of praise for the fans, returning for their first competitive game in 17 months, who helped to cheer Stanley to a 2-1 victory over Cambridge United.
Doncaster, managed by Richie Wellens, have yet to win a league encounter this season and the Reds did do the double over them in the last campaign, but Coleman is aware of their threat.
“Doncaster are a very attacking team, they commit a lot of men forward, they push the full backs quite high and attack down the flanks.
“It will be a challenge for us but I know that we have potentially got the two best strikers in the league (in Colby Bishop and Dion Charles) with one to come in as well in Joel Mumbongo.
“No one will like playing against them and, if we get them all fit and firing, we are a handful for anyone.
“It’s an unforgiving league, there are so many top teams, we are playing at home, the fans were magnificent on Saturday and we have got to hope they are still enthused and the novelty doesn’t wear off.
“You keep the novelty from not wearing off by winning games and playing exciting football.”
There has been a sickness bug in the camp with a few players suffering and John O’Sullivan is trying to shake off an ankle injury.
“There are a few bumps and bruises, the main concern is the sickness, we have had a bug which has swept through the club, not Covid, but it’s derailed us a little bit and you could see in the last 20 minutes on Saturday.
“We showed a lot of character, when you are not feeling well and your energy levels are sapped, to keep pushing and pressing.”
After selling defender Cameron Burgess to Ipswich yesterday, Coleman is on the hunt for players to replace him ahead of the transfer deadline – and hopes no one else leaves.
“I am delighted for Cam, that he has got a move to a high-profile club and obviously he will earn a lot more money than he is earning with us so for Cam it’s good. Whether it’s a step up remains to be seen at the end of the season.
“If you look at the amount of scouts at our game on Saturday, it will be well into double figures, and it’s no secret we have got good players.
“The nature of the beast is we are going to have to be a production line but we can’t churn out too many in one season or else we miss what the model is about. Everyone has got their price and I have got to hope I can keep a squad together that can compete in this league.
“We know there are tough games coming up and hopefully we can add to the squad and make ourselves a little bit stronger.
“We are probably looking at around six centre halves at the moment and you have got to wait for your targets. You don’t want to push your button on the wrong one but I should have one in for Saturday.
“We are also light on the striking side with Joe Hardy’s injury.”
The full pre-match interview video with John Coleman is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!