Pendle Today: Reds Have No Fear Ahead Of United Clash

Source: Pendle Today

NIGEL Coates is adamant his side have nothing to fear on Sunday.
The game Colne fans have been waiting for takes place at Accrington Stanley's Interlink Express Stadium (kick-off 2 p.m.).
But the Reds boss is confident his side can derail the FC United bandwagon.
Coates. whose side were without a game last weekend, said: "I'm really looking forward to it.
"It's a little bit different to the norm because I think everyone is anticipating a big crowd.
"It's not often you play in front of 2,000 people plus, but the lads are definitely up for it.
"I've had them watched and watched them myself, both against Nelson and Cheadle, and they will be tough opposition.
"They are full of UniBond players, so it will be difficult, but we certainly have nothing to fear.
"It is a game we know we can win, but then they will no doubt be thinking the same.
"But when all is said and done, it's only the League Cup, it's not like it's a big league game or a Vase match.
"Basically it is just a normal game – although there is obviously a massive amount of spice to it because of the opposition.
"Obviously we've tried to build it up a bit by switching the ground and playing it on a Sunday, but it is just another game for me."
A huge crowd is expected to descend on the Interlink, but it is something the Reds are used to.
Two seasons ago, Colne played in front of 3,215 in their memorable FA Vase fourth round win at AFC Wimbledon.
But Coates thinks it will be different this time around: "The crowd will be completely different to when we were down at AFC Wimbledon.
"When we went down there, I thought they were incredibly hostile and a few nasty comments came our way.
"But that isn't the way with FC United, it's all fun and games to them and they come to games to enjoy themselves.
"It's all very good humoured with them, but whether they change their tune when they are losing is another thing!
"It remains to be seen whether they change or not, but one thing is for sure that Sunday will be a very good atmosphere."
On the squad front, the Reds have drafted in Clitheroe pair Russell Clarke and Owen Roberts, but Adam Kozlowski has left for Rossendale.
Coates added: "Adam has left to rejoin his former manager Derek Egan at Rossendale, who has just taken over from Mark Molyneux.
"But we have brought in Russ Clarke from Clitheroe, and now we've followed that up with Owen Roberts.
"Owen played at Port Vale up until the end of last season when he was released from his professional contract.
"He went to Clitheroe in the summer but hasn't really broken through there.
"He can play at left back or on the left of midfield, which gives us a bit of cover for Paul Forsyth when he is at college during the week.
"He's got a good work ethic and a decent left foot, and not only that, but he is another local lad which makes things easier for us.
"Russ will probably start on Sunday as well, but I'm not too sure about Owen just yet."
On Tuesday night, Colne travel to Leigh RMI in the Lancashire Co-Operatives Trophy (kick-off 7-45 p.m.), and he added: "It's always different against teams from the Conference North and UniBond Premier because games are played at such a fast pace.
"It's all about fitness at that level, and games are so fast and furious it's unreal.
"I think we can hold our own on Tuesday in terms of the football that is played, but their fitness might just be the telling factor.
We are a big, strong side and that might be an advantage for us, but if we switch off at any point we are going to get beat.
"We went to Southport two seasons ago and won, and went to Burscough last season and should have got something from it.
"So if we take that attitude into Tuesday night then we have a fighting chance."
11 November 2005