Becoming the first team to topple league leaders Ipswich Town is no more of an incentive to John Coleman than simply winning the game.

Ipswich are unbeaten this season, amassing 27 points from their 11 games and are four clear of the chasing pack, with a game in hand on most of the teams below them.

They have excelled in the third tier after relegation last term, with Stanley looking to inflict a first defeat of the season when they meet at the Wham Stadium tomorrow lunchtime (12noon).

And whether as a manager or player, Coleman is a winner, a mentality he has tried to instil in to his own players as they go in search of a third win of the season.

“People have this thing about giving 150, 200 per cent, you can’t go more than 100 per cent,” Coleman explained.

“I can’t want to win more than I want to win when we play someone in a friendly, the Leasing.com Trophy, a league game, the FA Cup, or if I’m lucky enough to get picked for a five-a-side game.

“I can’t give more than 100 per cent will to win, and we’ve tried to instil that in to our players.

“You only get three points if you beat Ipswich, just as we would have done if we had beaten Rochdale.

“There’s no difference on that score. I’m sure that might be different for other teams that they want to end Ipswich’s unbeaten

record, but not for me, it’s just about trying to win the game.”

When Sunderland were relegated from the Championship in 2017/18, and Ipswich last season, Stanley’s name was often mentioned when discussing what lie in wait in League One.

Coleman’s side are in to their second season at this level, after winning League One in 2017/18, and the Reds boss says his side are competing on the field with their league rivals, and soon will be off the pitch given the level of investment by owner and chairman Andy Holt.

“I find it intriguing,” Coleman said when asked if he found comments about the size of the club disrespectful.

“I think over a period of time we’ll change that.

“You see the pitch has improved no end and eventually the whole infrastructure of the ground will be transformed, and then I think people will look at us as a viable team in this league who can perform on the day.

“I think over the years teams have learned not to take us for granted at whatever level.”

The Sky Sports cameras will televise the game and Coleman believes his players will rise to the occasion in a match he feels will be an excellent one for any neutrals tuning in.

But he’s hoping that it’s the Stanley fans who have the most to shout about come the final whistle.

He added: “It’s got the makings of a cracking game.

“Anyone who’s seen us play know that we don’t try and shut up shop, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing against we try and get goals and win the game.

“Sunday will be no different. We’ll be trying to do all we can to win the game.

“Ipswich are in a great vein of form, playing good football, quick passing, and it should be a really good game for the neutral, and hopefully a better game for our fans than theirs.”

Lambert will make late checks on the fitness of wing-back Kane Vincent-Young, midfielder Flyn Downes and striker James Norwood before deciding on his starting XI.

Ex-Reds striker Kayden Jackson is set to the start in attack.