ACCRINGTON MATCH PACK

Everything you need to know for tonight's game.

The Opposition: Accrington currently sit bottom of the league on four points, five points adrift of Northampton and Bury. However, the Reds are unbeaten in two matches after picking up draws at AFC Wimbledon and Oxford United. They have drawn three of their last four games and kept clean sheets in two of those matches.

In team news for them; Rob Atkinson’s hamstring problem is not as bad as first feared but he is unlikely to be available in the immediate future. Laurence Wilson and Michael Liddle are both eyeing returns but have only resumed light training. Luke Clark and James Caton remain sidelined and Kayode Odejayi serves the second match of his three match ban.

John Ward’s Comments: "I know from my experience of working in Lancashire, that a Tuesday night under floodlights, when it might be wet and windy, is a test of character, and their guys are used to that, so we are going to have to be very strong in that department to compete.

"They will look at us and say ‘this is a team going through a difficult time, who we can beat.’ We have got to make sure the attitude and approach we showed on Saturday, comes with us to Accrington.

"Any ability that we have got won’t show through unless we have a good attitude to start with. We have been saying that there is a win coming, and it might come when you don’t expect it.

"They are not winning and we have not won for a bit, so it will be the team that has the confidence and strength to have a go at the opposition."

"I am disappointed that we didn’t get the point on Saturday, as a point would have given everyone a big lift.

"The supporters were great, they backed the team to the hilt, and I think the team backed the supporters to the hilt, but we all went home with nothing. Even a point at home in those circumstances would have been a big lift."

Neither team has been in a great run of form, and the manager knows that his side are going to have to be strong to give themselves a chance of winning.

He said: "They will look at us and say ‘this is a team going through a difficult time, who we can beat.’ We have got to make sure the attitude and approach we showed on Saturday, comes with us to Accrington.

"Any ability that we have got won’t show through unless we have a good attitude to start with. We have been saying that there is a win coming, and it might come when you don’t expect it.

"They are not winning and we have not won for a bit, so it will be the team that has the confidence and strength to have a go at the opposition.

"If we can defend as well and be as strong as we have been in recent games away from home, perhaps we can spring ourselves on them a little bit. I don’t know how the game is going to pan out, but I do know I have a team with a really strong attitude to give us the chance of winning."

Opposition View: Manager James Beattie said: "“We have drawn three out of the last four and, if we keep turning in performances like that, we will get our first win and more will follow. I've seen teams that have been bottom of the league before and they don't carry themselves like that.

"If we show that commitment and desire we won't be at the bottom much longer. I believe in the set of lads who are in there."

"If we show that commitment and desire we won't be at the bottom much longer. I believe in the set of lads who are in there,"
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"If we show that commitment and desire we won't be at the bottom much longer. I believe in the set of lads who are in there,"

Last Meeting: Bristol Rovers 0-1 Accrington Stanley. The last meeting between the two teams was in April here at the Memorial Stadium, the visitors took all three points thanks to a single goal from Lee Molyneaux.

Team News: The manager will be without David Clarkson who serves the first of his three match ban after picking up a red card against Wycombe on Saturday. The game will probably also come too soon for Matt Harrold and Lee Brown as they aim to return from injury.

Tickets: Tickets for Bristol Rovers' trip to Accrington Stanley will be available to buy on the night. Tickets in both terrace and seated areas of the ground are priced at £13 for adults, £8 for over 65s, £5 for U17s and students with a valid photo ID and £1 for accompanied U12s. The turnstiles on the night are cash only.

Live Commentary: Unable to make the trip to the Crown Ground tonight? Then you can follow all the action from 7.45pm as Bristol Rovers take on Accrington LIVE on Gas Player.

Betting: Rovers are 6/4 to take all three points against Accrington Stanley tonight. You can get 6/1 on Ryan Brunt to score the first goal. Bristol Rovers will benefit as you bet throughout the season, so make sure you open your Sky Bet account via www.skybet.com/bristolrovers

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