Torquay v Accrington preview

Team news for Friday's League Two clash between Torquay United and Accrington Stanley at Plainmoor.

Torquay will hand late fitness tests to three first-team players ahead of the match on Good Friday. Striker Rene Howe and winger Ian Morris are both struggling with knee knocks, while midfielder Damon Lathrope will have his ankle problem assessed before kick-off at Plainmoor. Should Howe not be fit Taiwo Atieno is likely to lead the line for the Gulls, who are looking to keep pace with leaders Swindon towards the top of the table. Ryan Jarvis enjoyed only his second start for Torquay since making his loan switch from Walsall in the 1-0 victory at Barnet last week, and the 25-year-old will be hoping to keep his place against Stanley. Otherwise, manager Martin Ling has no further injury or suspension worries and his team could assure themselves of a play-off place with victory - providing results elsewhere go in their favour. Meanwhile, Will Hatfield is pushing for a starting place with Accrington. Former Leeds midfielder Hatfield came came off the bench to score the winner in last weekend's 2-1 triumph over AFC Wimbledon and has also netted equalisers as a substitute against against Port Vale and Bradford over the past month. Manager Paul Cook has no new injury problems heading into the clash, but a lengthy Stanley injury list remains a reality. Skipper Dean Winnard (ankle) is expected to join fellow defenders Danny Coid (knee) and Rob Kiernan (ankle) in being ruled out for the rest of the season. Cook's defensive headaches do not end there as he is also without Sean Hessey (hamstring) and Toto Nsiala (suspension). Midfielder Bryan Hughes remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, while long-term absentee Alan Burton is gradually stepping up training following his double hernia operation.