John Coleman: Accrington Stanley boss 'fully expects' to finish above Morecambe

John Coleman signed a new rolling two-year deal on 4 August

Accrington manager John Coleman says he "fully expects" his side to finish above Lancashire rivals Morecambe in League Two this season.

Stanley are currently eight points behind Jim Bentley's leaders and were beaten 3-2 by the Shrimps on Saturday.

"We've got to improve defensively, but we're not a million miles away from being a good team, and being a team that can compete," Coleman said.

"Give them their due, they raised their game whilst they smelt blood."

Coleman told BBC Radio Lancashire: "I would fully expect to finish above Morecambe this year."

Accrington led Morecambe 2-0 before Mark Hughes was sent off, and Coleman was upset his side did not get a penalty for a "choke slam" on Matt Pearson.

"The referee couldn't wait to give the sending off - I think he was probably getting bored of the game," Coleman added.

"Don't forget we were down to 10 (men) against Bradford and didn't concede, and no disrespect to Morecambe but I think Bradford are a better side than Morecambe."