JOHN Coleman believes Accrington Stanley are 40 per cent away from being at full throttle.

And he has urged his flair players' to play their part in making up the difference.

"I would say we're operating at about 60 per cent of our capacity at the moment," said the Reds boss ahead of tonight's trip to Stockport County.

"That was enough to get us a win on Saturday but it won't always be enough.

"I still think our flair players haven't clicked into top gear.

"I don't think we're attacking with the fluidity that we showed last year and I don't think we're creating as many chances as last year."

But Coleman has also acknowledged that his players must learn to walk before they can run in the Football League.

"Obviously you're playing against better players - you have to take that into account now we've made the step up.

"It's like expecting a horse that wins a two-mile claimer to go and win bigger races.

"They're going against better opposition and they have to improve as our players have to improve and I'm sure they're capable of doing.

"It's going to be a tough game for us, as is every game.

"Stockport are a young, very enthusiastic side and they reflect the way their manager thinks. He's very passionate about the game.

"But we've got that win - people won't talk about that elusive win now. From the way some people were talking you'd think we'd gone 22 games and not two games without winning.

"We're just concerned with trying to get ourselves right.

"Personally, I don't think we were right on Saturday.

"We rode our luck a little bit early on but relaxed visibly after we scored.

"We have to iron out some of the problems we've shown in the first three games, get back to our strengths and get back to playing the way we know we can play."

He added: "We have to build on what we've done.

"I like to think we're getting a little bit sharper now, we're starting to realise what the league's about.

"And I think people had better watch out for when our players click together."

Coleman confirmed winger Sean Doherty would be in tonight's squad after recovering from an ankle injury he sustained at Chester City on the opening day.

However, loan goalkeeper Rob Elliot remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

He returned to Charlton Athletic a fortnight ago but may be back at the Fraser Eagle Stadium next week.

"It's looking unlikely for Rob," Coleman added.

"We're still waiting for clearance from Charlton and once we get that he'll resume training with us."