JOHN Coleman says his players are “straining at the leash” to play a home game.

Accrington Stanley have not kicked a competitive ball at the Wham Stadium for two months since the 2-2 draw with Newport County on November, as a result of three postponements.

MORE TOP STORIES:

That has meant a run of six away games on the spin, with five in League Two. And manager Coleman has praised his players for picking up 10 points from a possible 15 to stay in the top seven mix.

But the Reds boss is hoping to make home advantage count as they look to close the gap on a top three that are edging away. And he says his players are ready.

“You’re straining at the leash. We were in Sunday, Monday, Tuesday (and back on Thursday) so we’ve had ample opportunity to get across some things to the players," said Coleman.

“We haven’t lost that much ground and people haven’t made that much ground on us. But we’re mindful of the ones at the very top who are starting to get away.

“If we get the games (in hand) played – there’s no guarantee that you’re going to win them, but we have to get as many points on the board as possible."

Coleman is also hoping for an end to their recent run of postponements, with home games against Wycombe Wanderers, Carlisle United and Notts County called off either side of Christmas.

The call-offs cost the club around £100,000 in lost matchday revenue.

But new owner Andy Holt has taken a hands-on approach to the installation of new drains, as well as purchasing new covers to keep the forecast frost at bay.

And Coleman sees tomorrow's visit of Portsmouth as the perfect pick-me-up - on and off the pitch.

“There’ll be a great atmosphere," he said.

“I want to play any game to be honest. It doesn’t differentiate for me because it’s Portsmouth. It might do for the players but for my own opinion I just want to play anyone and try to win that game.

“We’re really hoping the game’s on and from all indicators it will be.

“Andy, the new owner, has been up to his knees in mud for the last three or four days and he’s determined it’s going to be on, and I’ve got every confidence it will be.

“So well done for him for putting new drains in and doing everything possible – getting new covers in as well for the frost. There’s every indication the game will be on, and we’re looking forward to playing.

“We’ve got to hope that we don’t fluff our lines after having so many games called off."