Take a closer look at the latest stats and facts in our match preview ahead of Salop’s Sky Bet League One fixture versus Accrington Stanley.
Despite Tuesday’s loss against Crewe Alexandra in the Papa John's Trophy, Steve Cotterill’s side well and truly kicked off their league season last weekend following their win against Gillingham, a game that brought them their first league goals of the season – one being Tom Bloxham’s jaw-dropping bicycle kick. Their next league venture brings them to Crown Ground, where they face hosts Accrington Stanley.
Currently sitting in 9th, having won three in their first five, the Lancashire-based side have had quite a comfortable start to the season. Kicking off their League One season with a 2-1 loss to Wycombe Wanderers, John Coleman’s side have managed to bounce back winning three on the spin: against Crewe, Cambridge and Doncaster. However, their most recent league outing ended with a 2-0 loss to MK Dons. Scoring early on in almost all their games, Coleman’s side look to get on the front foot early and will likely let Steve Cotterill’s side hold the lion’s share of possession – which should work in the Salop boss’ favour. Despite an absence of deadline-day deals, Cotterill is happy with his squad and how they play, and with a performance like their second-half against Gillingham – Salop could really test the Stanley come Saturday.
Now with three points and two goals on the board, there should hopefully be a rejuvenated sense of confidence amongst the Salop contingent, no more than through the front line who were aching for a goal to officially commence their league season. They will also have a challenge on their hands when they arrive at the Crown Ground without David Davis continuing his suspension from previous game, having only just come back from an injury.
But despite their disappointing start to this season, Cotterill’s side have shown that statistically, Salop are one of the better sides in the league but have simply fallen too short too often in crucial periods of the game. With a win now under their belt, hopefully they will look to bounce back and match the statistics to the results.
Name: Accrington Stanley
Founded: 1968 (53 years ago)
Chairman/Owner: Andy Holt
Biggest win: 8-0 v New Brighton, Division Three (North), 17th March 1934.
Biggest defeat: 1-9 v Lincoln City, Division Three (North), 3rd March 1951.
Highest League finish: 11th, League One, 2020/21
