Match Preview | Accrington Stanley

We are back at the Croud Meadow today as we welcome John Doolan’s Accrington Stanley to Shropshire.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game.  

Key Players 

Experienced striker Paddy Madden signed on loan for Accrington from Chesterfield two weeks ago and is likely to be a big threat this afternoon. The 35-year-old is one of the deadliest strikers in the league on his day and has over 200 career goals to his name.  

Several ex-Salop players will be in the changing room for Accrington this weekend. Defender Donald Love and striker Charlie Caton both came off the bench for Accrington this weekend and are likely to be substitutes on Saturday.  

Town legend Shaun Whalley has been out of action for Accy so far this season and is likely to miss Saturday’s game. If he is fit and on the bench, he is likely to get the warmest welcome of any visiting player this season.  

The Manager 

John Doolan took over at the Wham Stadium in March 2024 following the departure of long-time manager John Coleman. This is his first managerial job, with this season being his first full campaign in charge.  

Prior to stepping into the management role, Doolan worked as a coach at the club and was an integral part of the club’s promotion to League One in 2017.  

Form  

Accrington arrive in Shropshire yet to register a league win so far this season. They have drawn two and lost two of their opening four games, with their draws coming in their two home games against Gillingham and Grimsby.  

Head-to-Head Record  

Our first competitive encounter with Accrington Stanley was in August 2003 in our solitary season in the National League. The game ended in a 1-0 win, with Colin Cramb grabbing a late winner. We then welcomed them to the Gay Meadow in January 2004, with the game ending in a 0-0 draw.

Our first Football League encounter saw us play out a 3-3 draw at the Wham Stadium in 2006. Since then, we have played each other in the Football League a further 24 times. Our overall record against Accy is positive, winning 11, drawing six, and losing eight.