Take a closer look at the latest stats and facts in our match preview ahead of Town's Sky Bet League One clash with Accrington Stanley.
Accrington Stanley have enjoyed a stellar first half to the Sky Bet League One season as John Coleman's team sit in sixth position - one place above league favourites Sunderland. With 45 points on the board already, the home side will provide a stern test for Salop as Steve Cotterill's men look to earn a third consecutive win.
With Dion Charles at the top end of the league scoring tree, the Salop defence will face a tough afternoon as Accy looks to solidify their position in the play-off places. However, Salop will be feeling confident going into the tie after victories over Swindon Town and Sunderland AFC.
Name: Accrington Stanley Football Club
Nickname: Stanley, Accy.
Founded: 1968 (52 years ago)
Stadium: Wham Stadium
Capacity: 5,450 (3,100 seated)
Chairman/owner: Andy Holt
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 Aaron Wilbraham's thoughts ahead of the tie...
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 – Nathan Baxter joined Stanley in October 2020 on loan from Premier League outfit Chelsea.
Prior to making the move to the Wham Stadium, Baxter enjoyed loan spells with Metropolitan Police, Solihull Moors, Woking, Yeovil Town, and Ross County. Since joining the Club, the shot-stopper has nailed down the number one spot as he looks to earn game time away from Stamford Bridge.
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 – Dion Charles
Dion Charles joined Stanley in the summer of 2019 from Southport for an undisclosed fee.
The striker began his career with Blackpool and has enjoyed spells with AFC Fylde and Fleetwood Town. Charles is enjoying a stellar season with Stanley having found the net on 13 occasions. The forward has also represented Northern Ireland at under-21 level.
League average stats:
Officials:
Referee: Alan Young
Assistants: Simon Clayton and David Avent
Fourth Official: Robert Madley
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