Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman has set his side a mission to cement a play-off place in the New Year.

The Reds chief was encouraged by the way the team bounced back from their 3-0 defeat at Barnet by claiming three points at home to Canvey Island.

And, after a poor first half at the Interlink Express Stadium, Coleman was happy with the Stanley responded to his half-time team talk to get the result.

"People don't hand you three points. You've got to earn them," he said.

"We realised we needed to take the game by the scruff of the neck and go and win it.

"We wanted a bit more enthusiasm and spark and I was pleased with the way we took the initiative in the second half.

"There were some harsh words said at half-time but they came good in the second half and got the early goal. And I think we were value for maybe more than a 1-0 win."

Coleman is now keen to see his side push on from their sixth home win out of 10 in the Conference this term.

"Three points is always a lift but what we need to do now is take that into the next game," said the Stanley boss ahead of Saturday's trip to struggling Forest Green Rovers.

"After a really excellent start away from home we've petered off.

"We need to get back to winning ways away from home and hopefully try to cement a place in the play-off positions.

"I would anticipate between January and February there will be about eight teams who break away from the main pack, and we've got to be one of them."

YOUNGSTERS who take part in Accrington Stanley's Christmas soccer school will get a free ticket to the Reds Boxing Day match to Halifax Town.

The school will be run at Hyndburn Sports Centre on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 December, from 10am to 3pm, and is open to boys and girls aged six to 12 years old inclusive.

The two-day course covers all aspects of football skills with prize games, mini tournaments and penalty shoot-outs, all run in a friendly and fun environment by Stanley manager John Coleman, his players and qualified coaches.

The cost is £19 altogether or £10 per day and application forms are now available from the Stanley Store.

ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman has set his side a mission to cement a play-off place in the New Year.

The Reds chief was encouraged by the way the team bounced back from their 3-0 defeat at Barnet by claiming three points at home to Canvey Island.

And, after a poor first half at the Interlink Express Stadium, Coleman was happy with how Stanley responded to his half-time team talk to get the result.

"People don't hand you three points. You've got to earn them," he said.

"We realised we needed to take the game by the scruff of the neck and go and win it.

"We wanted a bit more enthusiasm and spark and I was pleased with the way we took the initiative in the second half on Saturday.

"There were some harsh words said at half-time but they came good in the second half and got the early goal. And I think we were value for maybe more than a 1-0 win."

Coleman is now keen to see his side push on from their sixth home win out of 10 in the Conference this term.

"Three points is always a lift but what we need to do now is take that into the next game," said the Stanley boss, ahead of Saturday's trip to struggling Forest Green Rovers.

"After a really excellent start away from home, we've petered off.

"We need to get back to winning ways away from home and hopefully try to cement a place in the play-off positions.

"I would anticipate between January and February there will be about eight teams who break away from the main pack, and we've got to be one of them."

LEFT winger Paul Carvill has returned to his native Ireland after leaving Accrington Stanley.

The 19-year-old signed for the Reds in the summer from Preston North End, but failed to break into the first team squad.

YOUNGSTERS who take part in Accrington Stanley's Christmas soccer school will get a free ticket to the Reds' Boxing Day trip to Halifax Town.

The school will be run at Hyndburn Sports Centre on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 December, from 10am to 3pm, and is open to boys and girls aged six to 12 years old inclusive.

The two-day course covers all aspects of football skills with prize games, mini tournaments and penalty shoot-outs, all run by Stanley manager John Coleman, his players and qualified coaches.

The cost is £19 altogether or £10 per day and application forms are now available from the Stanley Store.