Accrington Stanley: Who Are They?

By the looks of Accrington Stanley’s gentle decline over the last handful of years, John Doolan’s men certainly did not take Ian Rush’s advice by drinking enough milk when growing up.

Of course, competing amidst the thick of professional football requires a little more than a daily dose of dairy – especially when operating on one of the tightest budgets in League Two. However, for the ‘Owd Reds, this season looks to be the fifth consecutive season they have finished lower than the year before.

One place above the drop zone, Accrington are yet to confirm their safety in the fourth tier. While a huge bottom-end clash approaches, nerves are starting to tingle in Lancashire.

A Season To Forget

There is no beating around the bush, Accrington have been amateur all season long. Stanley went until October 5th without their first win of the season, and now they pay the price. The Reds slouch in 22nd spot with just ten wins all season. Despite them clinging onto their six-point threshold, the truth is that Carlisle are chasing them. The Cumbrians still have four more games to make up that ground and are showing their willingness through their last two victorious games.

(EFL League Two Table)

To make matters worse, Accrington look like they are at their wits’ end. They are crumbling in the closure of this campaign. Although they have picked up a series of draws, Accrington are winless in their last six games and do not have much more time to turn things around. The Reds had a colossal opportunity to make ends meet in their last trip out, as they hosted another relegation competitor in Tranmere Rovers at the Wham Stadium. Despite going three goals up in the game, Stanley somehow managed to concede a triple in the last 15 minutes to be held to a draw. Another two points dropped in their quest for safety which could have excelled them away from a potential National League venture.

It may seem a little dramatic discussing the idea of relegation when John Doolan’s outfit are still six points better off than their inferiors. However, with four games remaining, Stanley still have to play tricky fixtures against playoff running Salford and Chesterfield, third-place Walsall, and the in-form, relegation hound mentioned earlier – Carlisle United. Making it an Easter needing an Accrington Stanley resurrection.

Why Has It Gone So Wrong?

It is difficult to pin the tail on the donkey of what has caused Accrington’s calamitous season. One thing that can be said is that Accrington have been on a downwards spiral, ever since their unanticipated relegation from League One in 2023. Last season, the Reds finished the campaign in 17th and ending on a troubled run of form. It is fair to say that they took this form heading into this term, especially adjoined with the loss of key players in the summer.

As it stands in the EFL...

Championship: Wigan will be relegated

League One: Plymouth and Ipswich will be promoted. Accrington Stanley and Morecambe will be relegated

League Two: Stevenage will be promoted, Hartlepool will be relegated#BBCFootball #BBCEFL pic.twitter.com/DkKpDaFKbZ

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 29, 2023

Top scorer Jack Nolan left Stanley for a move down south to Gillingham last June, after nestling in 17 goals for Accrington in the 2023/24 campaign. Furthermore, the winger also contributed eight assists the same season, demonstrating how much creativity the Pompey Boy brought to the team. The summer only got worse in Lancashire; striker Tommy Leigh also made the switch across League Two, signing for MK Dons. Leigh was Accrington’s second highest scorer last season with an honourable eight goals and five assists.

Alongside losing their top two scoring outlets, Accrington Stanley have a much broader problem on their hands. The Reds have conceded the second highest number of goals (66) in League Two this season, with a lot of those being cheap, throw-away goals that have costed the team points – as proven by last week’s foolish 3-3 giveaway. When attacking, Stanley actually have a respectable goal-tally of 49 – which has been executed through an xG of 44, showing that they have scored more than what has been expected of them. However, flipping things on its head, Stanley have conceded far too many goals than they should have; ultimately costing them points. To their 66 goals surrendered, the Reds only obtain an xG of 45. This has played a huge part as to why Accrington are as low as they are, due to the sheer number of late goals which have led to points dropped for them.

(Stats by Opta)

The Biggest Match Of Their Season

Easter Monday could spin the plot in the relegation tale. Accrington will give a chilly reception to a travelling Carlisle United at the Wham Stadium. A win for John Doolan’s team could see them extend their safety insurance to nine points. On the other end of the spectrum, a loss would close the gap to three points. With Carlisle up and firing as of late, a three-point gap is certainly not sought after in Lancashire. Furthermore, it must not be forgotten that League Two anchors Morecambe are only one point worse off than Carlisle and are still well in the mix.

Carlisle have just come off a win away at Morecambe, after two goals settled the tie. However, before they look forward to another relegation scrap against Accrington, Mark Hughes men still must contest table-topping Port Vale on Good Friday afternoon. Similarly, Accrington travel away to playoff hungry Salford City at the same time.