ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman is steeling himself for a tough test in the latest chapter of Accrington Stanley's promotion push.

The Reds begin the weekend only outside the League Two automatic promotion places on goal difference meaning a positive result at Luton Town tomorrow could take them into the top three for the first time this season.

The Hatters are down in 14th, eight points off the play off places, but Coleman knows his side are in for a testing afternoon at Kenilwoth Road where the Reds were beaten 2-0 last season.

The two sides drew 1-1 on the opening day of the campaign in August and Coleman admits he expected Nathan Jones' side to have mounted more of a promotion challenge to match that of his own team.

"I could have anticipated us being in the position we are in but I could not have anticipated the position Luton would be in," said Coleman. "Not with the resources they have got and with players they have got. They should be in much higher position.

"They have got a good group of players that can hurt anyone on their day and they have shown in a few of their recent results they are capable of beating teams in our league whatever position they are in.

"We know it will be a tough game but we have got to make sure it is a tough game for them.

"On any given day any team in our league are capable of hurting anybody.

"We have to make sure that we perform to give ourselves the best chance of winning the game."

Coleman is taking solace from his side's recent away form, they have lost just one of five on the road, and the travelling performances against similar 'well backed' clubs this season which has included wins at Oxford, Leyton Orient and Bristol Rovers.

"I think we generally do well in these atmospheres," he said. "When we play teams who are expected to come on to us we are able to open the game up. On Saturday we have got to hope that we score more goals than them."

The Reds will travel south without injured pair Matt Crooks and Joe Wright.

And Coleman is relishing having a near fully-fit squad to pick from.

"I'd much rather be in this position," he added.

“For Cambridge, it’s the hardest bench I have ever had to pick and, on the other side to that, probably the strongest bench I have ever had at Accrington.

“When you have Rommy Boco, Andy Little and Anthony Barry to name but a few off the top of my head sat in the stands you know you have got a good squad.”