Woods: We're ready to roll
After a hectic seven days which saw both manager Mike Newell and captain Ryan Bennett depart ahead of last weekend's defeat at league leaders Bournemouth, the caretaker boss has had a full week with the Town players to prepare for his first home match in charge.
And he hopes what they've worked at on the training ground can be put into practice to end a run of five straight league losses.
Woods said: "It's been a bit more like a normal week, if you like, though having a Friday game is slightly different because you lose a day of preparation.
"The players have worked hard again and I can't give them enough credit for the way they've got on with things and the response they've given.
"There were plus points for us at Bournemouth and we've tried to get back to basics a little because we know we have talented players here.
"It's been about getting them to concentrate on what they are good at and taking that into games."
Woods has no new injury worries ahead of tonight's game with Rob Atkinson (groin), Robbie Stockdale (hernia), Nathan Jarman (foot) and Adam Proudlock (ankle) all still out and Matt Heywood (knee) a doubt.
But he has striker Barry Conlon back from suspension and new loan man Olly Lancashire more settled after his deep-end introduction a week ago.
There's also a chance that Danny North may figure again after an impressive display for the Reserves at Lincoln – a game in which Conlon marked his return with two goals.
Woods went on: "Rob Atkinson will miss the game again.
"He's had a scan on his groin and thankfully it's nothing severe so hopefully he'll stay on the mend and be back in training at some point soon.
"Jarmo still has his cast on his foot but Prouds is off crutches, though still a couple of weeks away.
"Robbie Stockdale is recovering from his operation but making better progress than we expected.
"But we have Barry back and he did well for the Reserves considering he's not had much football in the past month because of his ban and he was also off ill for a week.
"In fact, all the seniors who played at Lincoln impressed us because it's never easy stepping down to play against youngsters but they all responded and
put a lot of effort in.
"Danny did well, getting a goal and making another two and, like I said last week, while he's still around with us, he'll get as much of a chance as anyone."
One man sure to start against Stanley is new loan centre-back Lancashire who shone at Dean Court on his debut, despite only meeting his new team-mates hours before the game.
And Woods was full of praise for the 21-year-old Southampton player.
The caretaker boss added: "We only tied up a deal for Olly after 6pm on Friday night – he began that day training with Southampton not knowing he would playing league football 24 hours later.
"Considering the circumstances, the boy was outstanding and I can't praise him enough.
"He's a likeable lad with a professional attitude and he's had a week training with us now.
"He's settled and that will help him tonight on his home debut."
Caretaker boss Neil Woods
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