John Coleman says there is a spring in his step as Accrington Stanley turn their attention to a trip to Salford City in the group stages of the Papa Johns Trophy.
After three successive losses, the victory over Cheltenham in League One was a huge boost on Saturday going into tonight’s game.
League Two Salford are currently leading the way in the group stages, having overcome Liverpool Under-21s in their first match, while the Reds recorded a penalty shootout victory over Rochdale.
Coleman will play as strong a side as he can but won’t risk anyone who isn’t 100 per cent fit – with Harvey Rodgers, Joe Pritchard and Tommy Leigh coming off injured on Saturday.
“Winning on Saturday takes the pressure off that’s been building with three defeats,” said Coleman.
“You want the lads to get their rewards for their hard work, you can’t fault their effort since the season began, but you need a little bit of luck.
“We scored early and could have had more but then were hanging on in the second half but did enough to get the win.
“The Papa Johns Trophy is always a big competition for us. We are an open book. Everyone knows we want to win it, we will try our hardest to get to Wembley and Salford are coming off a home defeat to Tranmere so they will be hoping to bounce back.
“We have played them a few times so hopefully we come out on top.
“Nothing will get decided tonight but you can get yourself a big step towards qualifying if you win.”
With the injuries, Coleman admits it is frustrating.
“The players are putting a lot into the game, they are going to get niggles, they are going to get strains and it’s up to us to try and manage them and try and get them for as long as we can on the pitch.
“I honestly can’t remember having as many injuries as we have had this season but that’s football for you.
“It’s how you react to adversity and sometimes it can make you stronger, the lads who come in can have a right go and you end up getting results. We won’t play anyone who won’t be fit.”
Another blow is striker Matt Lowe who is having a scan this week.
“Matt was struggling to kick the ball in training and has gone to see a specialist about his hip. Touray (Sisay) is training this week but it’s probably too soon to play - it’s at least another two weeks.”
The full pre-match interview with John Coleman is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!