Accrington hopeful over hearing

By Caroline Cheese

Coleman is awaiting the Football League's verdict on Friday

Accrington Stanley are hopeful that a Football League ruling will not harm their chances of avoiding relegation from League Two.

At Friday's hearing, Stanley face the prospect of being docked up to seven points for fielding two ineligible players earlier in the season.

But manager John Coleman told BBC Sport: "We feel quite confident.

"We haven't tried to deceive anyone. It was an administration problem. We don't feel we've done a great deal wrong."

Accrington were charged after striker Chris McGrail featured against Mansfield and Wycombe and keeper Martin Fearon appeared on the bench against Wrexham.

The Football League says neither player was correctly registered but club chairman Eric Whalley described the problem as a "minor technicality".

I think people have a bit of a soft spot for us and want us to do well Accrington boss John Coleman

And Stanley's hopes of avoiding a heavy penalty were boosted when AFC Wimbledon's punishment for a similar offence was reduced from a deduction of 18 points to only three.

Accrington won promotion to League Two last season, their first taste of the Football League for 44 years.

However, Coleman's side have struggled with the step up and, as of 29 March, they lie three points above the relegation zone.

The Stanley boss admitted losing Gary Roberts and Ian Craney, to Ipswich and Swansea respectively, rocked his side.

"I think we were coping quite admirably up until losing our two best players - through no fault of our own," said Coleman, who had to sell the pair because of clauses in their contracts.

"After that we had terrible luck with injuries but I think we're better than our league position suggests.

"Hopefully we can push on and get ourselves into a more respectable position."

Victory over Hereford on Saturday meant Accrington secured back-to-back wins for the first time this season and that feat gave the club more hope that they can ensure their return to League football will last more than one season.

"We've got a confident bunch of lads - they very much believe in themselves and each other," added Coleman.

"We haven't had the best of luck over the last couple of months but hopefully we're getting back on track. Two clean sheets and six points - it's looking OK.

"I think people have a bit of a soft spot for us and want us to do well - and I hope we will."