Accrington Stanley... In Focus

In their first season back in the football league, things were looking positive for Stanley.

Coleman...In poor form

However, after a positive start, Accrington will be worried as they now sit just a point above the League Two drop zone.

From the end of September, Stanley went seven unbeaten but now they are seven without a win.

It's this pure inconsistency that leaves the new boys in a lowly 20^th position. Conceding seventeen in their last seven, it is no surprise that Stanley may end up facing a relegation battle.

Ever-presents Andy Todd, Robbie Williams, Paul Mullin and Ian Dunbavin could be key to survival.

If Accrington can hit form over the Christmas period it would be an ideal opportunity to climb out of trouble. With struggling Macclesfield, Mansfield, Wrexham and Boston all coming up, the next few games could see Stanley's league status all but secured.

Staying up is a big ask from the side. They simply concede too many goals. With no real chance to strengthen in January due to lack of funds, manager John Coleman will need his players to give everything they possibly can.

Losing arguable there best player in Gary Roberts to Ipswich Town, where he has gone from strength to strength, was a massive blow. Now they must use the funds from that deal to help there attempt to make there stay back in the football league far from short.

Mullin... Player of the season again?

Manager: John Coleman

League position (as of 12^th December 2006): 20^th

Top goalscorer: Gary Roberts with eight. Since his move, Paul Mullin with seven has moved to the top.

Goals Scored: 31

Goals Conceded: 38

Player of the season so far: Stanley player from a young age, striker Paul Mullin. Eight goals to his name already and four times club player of year in last five years…a class act.

Against Notts: Notts were victorious 3-2 at Meadow Lane. The Magpies travel to Accrington on 13 January.

Drapes' Prediction: There will be enough passion about Accrington to see them retain their top flight status in 17th