ACCRINGTON Stanley will be eager to practice what they preach tonight.

The Reds travel to Conference newcomers Northwich Victoria (kick-off 7.45pm) for their fifth pre-season game in a programme that has produced a mixed bag of results and performances so far.

But as John Coleman's troops near the start of their inaugural season in League Two at Chester City on August 5, they are only too aware of the importance of getting into a winning groove as soon as possible.

"We're getting a winning mentality drilled into us," said midfielder Ian Craney.

"Every pre-season is hard but you want to do well.

"The lads came back in great shape and we're just raring to go now.

"We still need a couple of new faces but I'm sure that's all in hand. The signings that have been made so far have really settled in well."

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Rob Elliot is hoping to go to Scotland on a high following tonight's game at Northwich and tomorrow's home clash with League One side Blackpool.

The strapping stopper will head north of the border with the rest of the Stanley squad this weekend for their friendlies against Partick Thistle and East Fife on Saturday and Monday respectively.

And the 20-year-old feels the Reds have benefited from their run-out against Premiership opposition, despite losing 3-0 to neighbours Blackburn Rovers last week.

"It was good to play against Premier players," he said. "Their work rate was unbelieveable. We should have matched that, but we didn't."