In focus: Accrington Stanley match preview

2 December 2020

Take a closer look at the latest stats and facts ahead of tonight's fixture with Accrington Stanley.

Accrington Stanley visit Montgomery Waters Meadow after having a fine start to their season. John Coleman has guided his team to seven wins from 11 fixtures so far as his team continually look to push up the table. Despite a strong start to their campaign, Accy's goals come from all across the pitch and prove to be a tough test for any Sky Bet League One team.

Name: Accrington Stanley Football Club

Nickname: Stanley, Accy

Founded: 1891 (Re-founded 52 years ago)

Stadium: Wham Stadium

Capacity: 5,450

Biggest win: 8-0, New Brighton, Division Three (North) 1934

Biggest loss: 1-9, Lincoln City, Division Three (North) 1951

Highest league finish: 14th, Sky Bet League One, 2018/19

Read Steve Cotterill's thoughts ahead of the tie...

Feature

Steve Cotterill previews Town's clash with Accrington Stanley

The Manager – John Coleman

John Coleman is currently in his second spell in charge of the club. His first spell at the club saw him become the club's most successful manager as he returned the Reds to the Football League.

The prolific non-league striker joined the club as player-manager after a successful spell at Ashton United in 1999, leading Stanley to the UniBond First Division title at the first time of asking.

In his second full season back with the Reds, he led the side to the brink of promotion, claiming fourth place in League Two before losing out to AFC Wimbledon in the Play-Offs. Coleman clinched promotion to the third tier of the EFL for the first time in their history in 2018, winning 18 of their final 23 games.

Goalkeeper – Toby Savin

19-year-old Toby Savin joined Accrington Stanley in 2017 after spells in Southport, Wigan Athletic, Everton, and Crewe Alexandra's youth teams.

The 6 foot four inches tall shot-stopper is enjoying a breakthrough season with Stanley having appeared for the first-team on a number of occasions. Savin also spent a short time out on loan with Stalybridge Celtic last season.

Defender – Cameron Burgess

Aberdeen-born Australian youth international Cameron Burgess joined Accrington Stanley at the start of the current season. The towering centre-back started his career with Fulham but enjoyed first-team football during four loan spells away from the Club.

Previous to joining John Coleman at the Wham Stadium, the defender represented Scunthorpe United and Salford City. Burgess has represented both the Scotland and Australian youth teams.

Midfielder – Seamus Conneely

Seamus Conneely is one of Stanley's longest-serving players having joined the club in 2015 from Sligo Rovers. The 32-year-old midfielder has since made over 200 appearances for John Coleman's team.

Conneely has represented Galway United, Sheffield United, and Alfreton Town but has enjoyed regular football for five years at the Wham Stadium. He has also represented the Republic of Ireland's under-23 and 21 outfits.

Forward – Colby Bishop

Colby Bishop joined Accrington in 2019 after a goal-laden two years with Leamington where he scored 33 goals in 53 league matches.

The 24-year-old began his career with Notts County but spent the early years of his career in non-league with Gloucester City, Worcester City, and Boston United.

Read Charlie Daniels thoughts ahead of the fixture...

Feature

Charlie Daniels previews Town's clash with Accrington Stanley

League stats:

Results: P11 W7 D1 L3

Last five results: WWWDW

Win percentage: 64%

Average points per game: 2

Average goals scored per game: 1.27

Average goals per game: 2.18

Average shots per match: 13.9

Average possession: 44%

Fouls per match: 6.36

Offsides per match: 2.82

Top goal-scorer: Dion Charles - 3

Top Assists: Joe Cameron Pritchard - 2

Most cards: Cameron Burgess - 2

Most frequent FT score: 2-0 (2 times)

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Match Reports

Match report: Shrewsbury Town 2 Accrington Stanley 2

2 December 2020

Town earn a point against Accrington Stanley.

Shrewsbury Town earn a point at home against John Coleman’s Accrington Stanley.

Aaron Pierre and Shaun Whalley were the pair on hand who notched Town the goals in an evenly contested fixture,

A positive opening 10 minutes saw the Shrews having continual breaks and counter-attacks into the Stanley half. Daniel Udoh and Shaun Whalley both used their pace to cause the away side problems.

However, it was John Coleman’s side that managed to find the net early on. Joey Pritchard placed the ball down for a free-kick and managed to squeeze an effort into the bottom left corner of the Salop net.

The early action didn’t stop there as Aaron Pierre pulled Town back level 60 seconds later in the 27^th minute. The defender jumped well to get on the end of Charlie Daniel’s set-piece and knocked home a powerful header.

In the second half, both teams were looking to establish possession with most of the play being conducted in the middle of the park. Whalley was the bright spark for Town as relentlessly tried to push the Shrews up the pitch.

With just over 10 mines left in the game, Whalley managed to guide a curling effort on goal but Toby Savin stretched well to parry the forward’s shot away from danger despite a strong effort.

Town were awarded a free-kick with less than five minutes to go in the game. Shaun Whalley placed the ball down and fired his effort right into the top corner to give Salop a late lead.

Stanley were given a chance to secure a point with seconds left in the game with a penalty. Cassidy stepped up for the penalty. Sarkic made the save but the rebound was tapped home.

The game came to an end with each team earning a point after an enthralling fixture.

Town: Matija Sarkic, Aaron Pierre, Ro-Shaun Williams, Sean Goss (Scott High, 66), Shaun Whalley, Ollie Norburn, Josh Vela, Matt Millar, Charlie Daniels, Brad Walker (David Edwards, 82), Daniel Udoh (Scott Golbourne, 90).

Subs: Harry Burgoyne, Scott Golbourne, David Edwards, Josh Daniels, Scott High, Marc Pugh, Jason Cummings.

Stanley: Toby Savin, Michael Nottingham, Mark Hughes, Cameron Burgess, Matt Butcher, Jonny Russell (Ben Barclay, 76), Joey Pritchard, Harvey Rodgers (Ryan Cassidy, 90), Colby Bishop, Seamus Conneely, Dion Charles.

Subs: Nathan Baxter, Ryan Cassidy, Tariq Uwakwe, Ben Barclay, Stephen Sama, Lewis Mansell, Joe Maguire.

Referee: Benjamin Speedle

Assistants: Simon Shaw and Ravel Cheosiaua

Fourth official: Trevor Kettle

Bookings:

Ro-Shaun Williams was booked for a pullback in Town’s half.

Walker was also shown a yellow for the same foul in the 42^nd minute.

Josh Vela was the third player shown a card for a foul in the 57^th minute.

Ticket News

Accrington Stanley ticket update

30 November 2020

Shrewsbury Town confirm a limited number of tickets for Accrington Stanley may be available to registered supporters.

Shrewsbury Town can confirm that there is potential for a small number of tickets for Town's Sky Bet League One fixture with Accrington Stanley may go on sale to registered supporters from 2pm on Tuesday 1st December.

Please note, only registered Shrewsbury Town fans on our ticketing system will be eligible for tickets. Therefore, we would urge any season ticket holder who wishes to attend to obtain their ticket(s) by 1 pm Tuesday, and thereafter any remaining tickets will be available on sale to those registered with a Shrewsbury Town supporter number.