STANLEY boss John Coleman has been impressed with the contribution of midfielder Dave Robinson -- and says there is more to come from him.

The 26-year-old was signed from Runcorn in a four-figure deal last month and has slotted into the centre of the park.

"Robbo is improving every game, he is getting better and better," said the Reds chief, whose side travel to Altrincham in the UniBond Premier Division tonight.

"He is a clever player, very aware, a good passer and good in the tackle. He has a presence about him and we need him there."

Robinson has got on the scoresheet once since his arrival - in the UniBond League Cup against Chorley - but is always willing to try his luck with a shot and has been unlucky not to increase his tally.

But the goals keep going in for frontmen Lutel James and Paul Mullin. James got on the scoresheet in the 1-1 draw with Bishop Auckland at the Crown Ground on Saturday to take his tally to 14 goals this season, while Mullin has also found the back of the net 14 times so far in this campaign.

"With those two up front we are always going to score. They've got 28 between them so far but we just need more goals from all over the park now," said Coleman.

And he is hopeful the likes of midfielder Simon Carden will make an impression on the scoresheet.

Carden has scored three goals so far this season and missed the chance to add to his tally with the goal beckoning in the final minute against Bishop Auckland.

"That was just one of those things. He did not do it on purpose and we would be more worried if Simon wasn't getting into those positions," said the boss.

Meanwhile, Stanley will welcome back transfer-listed Gary Williams following his one month loan spell at Conference side Southport for tonight's game against third-placed Altrincham.

"He has come back," confirmed Coleman. "I think he did well there but they wanted a striker and he had been playing as a winger so he is coming back to us.

"We will welcome him back, he'll be in the squad tonight, and then wait and see what happens after that."

Altrincham drew with Stanley 0-0 at the Crown Ground earlier this month but Coleman expects a different game with the Manchester side overjoyed with their FA Cup show at the weekend.

They beat Nuneaton to reach the first round proper where they have a home time against either Lancaster City or Vauxhall Motors.

"They will be cock-a-hoop after the weekend," continued Coleman, whose side are in tenth spot. "When we played them here, it could have gone either way but I thought we shaded it.

"It will be a tough game."

It looks like it could come too early for Stanley's injury victims. Russell Payne will have a late fitness test on his ankle but looks a doubt.

Skipper Jay Flannery and defender Robbie Williams are definitely out while long term casualty striker Mark Shirley will get a run out in the reserves on Friday.

"It's a big boost. The reserves are playing Lancaster on Friday so we are hoping Mark gets through some of the game," said Coleman.

The striker has been missing for more than a season with a knee injury.

In the UniBond First Division, eighth place Rossendale are looking to bounce back following their two successive league losses when they welcome Matlock Town to Dark Lane.

Matlock lie just two places and two points behind Dale although Jim McCluskie's side do have three games in hand.

And 14th place Chorley are in action at third-from-bottom Kendal needing a morale-boosting victory.