ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman felt like Korky the Cat after suffering the worst defeat in his managerial career -- getting hit for five on Tuesday night.

"I've never been on the end of a result like that in my playing or managerial career.

"I felt like Korky the Cat, hit by a car and once I got up again, rolled over by a steamroller!"

But it was no laughing matter for the Stanley manager who now has to raise his troops after the thumping from Lancaster City for a huge FA Umbro Trophy third round clash at Emley tomorrow.

The Yorkshire side are the UniBond Premier League pacesetters and defeated the Reds 1-0 in the league over Christmas.

"The Lancaster game could be a wake-up call for some of the players and I'm hoping we should learn from the defeat. Once we dropped our standards we were punished.

"Maybe though it is not a bad thing. We could sit and lick our wounds or come out all guns blazing and I know what I will be doing.

"I want to apologise to the fans for the Lancaster City game. They are loyal to Accrington and we didn't play anywhere near what we are capable of.

"So we owe it to the supporters and ourselves to put on a good show at Emley. It is a massive game for us."

Victory over Emley would lead Accrington into the last 32 of the competition -- with more than a glimmer of hope that they could reach the final at Villa Park.

"I've got through to the last eight with Ashton and I would l would love to go all the way," said Coleman. "If you get a little bit of luck we stand a good chance. But we do need a home draw -- we haven't had one yet in any competition." The Reds chief has a doubt over forward Gary Williams for tomorrow's match but it will be too early for Paul Burns who has missed the last six weeks through injury.