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INTERVIEW: We need to be on the attack more says Coley

Reds take on Sutton United looking to return to winning ways

14 September 2023

John Coleman knows his Accrington Stanley side need to pose more of an attacking threat if they are to bounce back after two League Two defeats.

The Reds take on Sutton United – a side they have never played before – at the Wham Stadium on Saturday.

Matt Gray's side are currently 23rd in the early table and have suffered six successive league losses since their opening day victory over Notts County.

"We know there are areas we need to improve on, that's our main focus, we knew that when we went to Salford and won and won at home against Harrogate," said the Reds boss.

"We are quite a young side, it's a work in progress. You are tyring to grow players and enhance players on a daily, weekly, monthly basis.

"You are trying to make them get better and learn the game. We have to keep reminding the lads of their responsibilities, of how we want to play the game and what style we want to play and we want to enthral the fans.

"The two goals scored by Mansfield on Saturday were a body blow,  all three goals were avoidable, but we didn't do enough to enthral our fans going forward and so that’s got to be our focus when we play at home.

"In this league, you have got to attack more. Neither team hurt each other on Saturday but when Mansfield got their opportunities, they were ruthless and we weren't.

"We didn't make as many opportunities as I would like. We need to get back to attacking, getting balls into the box and making chances.

"I don't ever want to see games, when we play at home, when we only had two shots on target which we did on Saturday, we should have more.

"We have to take responsiblity for that and come up with a plan that sees us get more shots on target."

Coleman was studying Sutton in a bid to return to winning ways.

"It's unusual to play a club we haven't played before. I have never come across them in any guise, as a player or manager, and it’s something I am looking forward to.

"We do know their manager Matt. He was on the diploma course with John Doolan so we have come across him a number of times, he is a nice guy and one we look forward to meeting up with again."

There has been a boost in that Joe Pritchard came through 65 minutes of a reserve game midweek against Wrexham and Norwich loan defender Lewis Shipley is back in training after only playing the first game of the season before picking up an injury.

"We got a lot out of playing Wrexham, we showed a great approach," continued Coleman.

"Matt Lowe and Josh Woods' sprinting stats were off the graph. We played some good football, scored some good goals and Joe Pritchard got a good 65 minutes in the locker which was brilliant for us. It will be like getting a new signing, getting Joe back.

"Lewis Shipley is back training which gives us another option."

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!


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