JOHN Coleman hopes that playing a home game is much like riding a bike for his squad... they don't forget how it's done.

Accrington Stanley have not played at the Wham Stadium since November 14 following five postponements - four due to a waterlogged pitch, while Saturday's visit of Portsmouth was called off early due to a frozen surface.

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Milder, drier weather has given Coleman optimism that they can play in front of a home crowd at the sixth attempt - and second for this fixture as the first of a mounting list of re-arranged games.

"Fingers crossed. We've not had a great deal of luck," he said.

"There have been lots of times this season where we've had games called off and we could have played the day before and the day after, although possibly that wouldn't have the case on Saturday.

"If we can get enough protection on the pitch we're in the lap of the gods for it not to be as cold as it was this weekend."

Incredibly, given the amount of catch-up they are having to play, Stanley remain in the play-off positions, retaining seventh spot by virtue of goal difference after AFC Wimbledon's win over Mansfield put them level on 39 points.

Coleman is aiming to increase the gap tonight, but admits he has concerns about ring-rustiness among his players, given the number of times they have prepared for games only to suffer the disappointment of not playing on matchday.

"Of course. As much as you try to guard against it you just have to hope it doesn't affect them too much," he said.

"Once you start playing football you don't forget. Hopefully we can get back to norm as quickly as possibly in the game.

"The fans keep getting geared up for games.

"People are travelling, not just from this area but we have got fans who come from different areas as well.

"But as regards to the players it's very frustrating for them because you're building yourself up to play.

"You work all week to plan for a game when it's taken away it's a bit of an anti-climax. And with the weather it's been difficult to train as well so there's no real release for it.

"But hopefully the lads are still geared up from the weekend and ready for the game should it go ahead."