ACCRINGTON Stanley skipper Luke Joyce believes that boss John Coleman can lead them to the play-offs again.

Joyce said: “We are only at Christmas but the signs are good and the gaffer has completely revived our fortunes.

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“We are playing the same style of football as when we made the play-offs under him in 2011.

“If we can find that vein of consistency, this can be a big season for Stanley.

“He has made a big difference to my game. We are getting the ball down on the floor and playing through midfield. I enjoy that style.”

Last weekend’s 1-1 home draw against League Two leaders Wycombe Wanderers left Stanley just five points behind the play-off pack, reflecting the change of fortunes since Coleman returned to the club in September.

Joyce said: “It shows how far we have come under the gaffer since he came back that we were very disappointed not to have beaten Wycombe.

“We had the big blow of losing the FA Cup replay at Yeovil Town but we really dug deep again and showed how resolute we can be.

“There is an expectation at Accrington now. We are not happy to go out and get a point here and there.

“The manager, through raising those expectations, has taught us to have that winning attitude — and that we can compete and beat any side in this division.”

Meanwhile, Joyce has warned Stanley fans to hang on to their hats at Bootham Crescent on Boxing Day.

Accrington’s Friday opponents York City reached the play-offs last season, going out to Fleetwood Town, but are struggling in the bottom three this time. However, Joyce predicts that York will provide dangerous opposition.

York fought back from two goals down against Bury to claim a point at Gigg Lane in their last outing. And Joyce said: “They are fighting for their lives. That was a great result.”

In the corresponding fixture last season, Shay McCartan’s last-minute leveller handed Stanley a point.

A year earlier, Peter Murphy rescued a draw by bundling in a Lee Molyneux corner — also in injury-time.

Joyce said: “It is a Roses clash and we always seem to get a bit of drama at York.

“It is a tight ground. And when it is near capacity, it makes for a fantastic atmosphere. I always look forward to going there and I know a lot of our fans will be making the trip over the Pennines.

“The gaffer will be expecting us to go to York and get a win — and that is what we will try to do.”