Accrington Stanley assistant manager Jimmy Bell is expecting a response from his squad when they host Stockport County at the Wham Stadium on Saturday.
The Reds lost last week to Tranmere Rovers, who are in the bottom two, and need to bounce back at home, where they have only lost once all season.
County have won their previous three league games, including a 5-0 triumph against highly-rated Wrexham last week.
Bell is dealing with an injury list that includes keeper Toby Savin, who is out with a dislocated shoulder and tendon problems after falling awkwardly at Tranmere.
Defender Jay Rich-Baghuelou has been suspended following his ejection at Prenton Park, while midfielders Liam Coyle and Seamus Conneely were injured last weekend.
“Toby’s going to be out for a while, months rather than weeks, because he fell awkwardly onto his shoulder, dislocated it, and has tendon problems that need to be repaired,” Bell added.
“He’s returned to No. 1 and has been in good form.” It’s a significant loss, but we’d have no trouble playing Jack McIntyre.
“Liam has hernia symptoms and could be out for two or three weeks, while Seamus is 50/50 for the weekend.”
“In football, seven days is a long time. When we beat Sutton United 4-1, I thought we only had Sean McConville out due to injury.
“Seven days later, it was a poor performance and defeat to Tranmere Rovers.”
“It was difficult because you prepare all week for that game with Seamus and Liam on your team, and then you find out Friday evening that the engine room has gone.”
“We had to rejig and change the system, and you get a centre-half sent off and lose your keeper during that game, so you’ve had the heart of your team ripped out.”
“Fast forward a week, and everything has changed, but we’ve had to knuckle down this week.”
“You’ve got to get on with it, turn it into a positive, give other lads a chance who have been on the verge of getting games, and I’m sure they’ll take it.” We’ve had a week to prepare for the Stockport game, and we’ll be ready.
“We have to be positive, as do the fans.” It will provide other players with a huge opportunity to impress.
“In the past, we’ve gotten a response, and our home form is always better than our away form.”
“You can’t carry anyone to an away victory; you need everyone chomping at the bit.”
“I don’t know why, but players play better at home, and that’s a big plus this week.”
“We have got unbelievable support, they have been magnificent since we have been here.”
County are ninth in League Two, one point ahead of the 12th-placed Reds, and are managed by Dave Challinor.
“Stockport are a point ahead of us, and the bookmakers make them odds on to beat us at home,” Bell added. They are expected to be towards the top.
“First and foremost, we must perform at home, secondly, we must improve on our performance against Tranmere, and third, we must make it as difficult for them as possible.”
“It’s not all bad news.” We have a difficult game ahead of us, but it is winnable. They had an incredible outcome last week, and they took their chances superbly.”
The full pre-match interview video with Jimmy Bell is now available on the club’s official YouTube page; CLICK HERE for additional information!
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