Magnificent seven for Accrington leaves Coleman a happy man

Posted Monday, December 30, 2019 by PA

John Coleman was in seventh heaven as his side made it seven games unbeaten with a 2-0 win over Burton.

Sean McConville and Ross Sykes scored either side of the break for Stanley, who are now up to 15th place in Sky Bet League One.

McConville fired home in the 39th minutes after the ball rebounded off defender John Brayford into his path and he then turned provider, his free-kick being headed home by Sykes with 25 minutes to go.

“We are working hard for each other, we have just got to keep it going and see where it takes us,” said Coleman.

“I have a very healthy squad here and I could have put seven players in today and they would all give the same effort.

“People won’t like coming to the Wham Stadium, we play on the front foot and create chances and the crowd are noisy and willing us on and it becomes a perfect match.

“We did have to weather a bit of a storm just after half-time but I think we defended well, we passed the ball well and we created chances.

“We are now on a plus goal difference which is massive as, a couple of weeks ago, we were on minus 10.

“I am proud of the players as they ran themselves into the ground today. It was always going to be a tough ask after they put everything in to win at Blackpool on Boxing Day but they have stepped up to another level again.

“It was a difficult game and Burton are a good side so to shut them out is another feather in our cap.

“We have always said the hardest thing is to hit a run, we are on it now, and the hard part will be keeping it going.”

Nigel Clough’s side had chalked up back-to-back wins and were unlucky not to score when Liam Boyce hit the woodwork.

The Brewers manager admitted he should have changed his side going into the game as he had to make all three substitutions at half-time through injuries and tiredness.

“In hindsight, I should have freshened it up from the beginning but the team had done well to win two games on the bounce so we went with the same team,” said Clough.

“Unfortunately the three half-time changes were enforced with niggles – I should have started with fresh legs.

“We did hit the post at 1-0 and if that had gone in who knows? But simply they took their chances and we didn’t.

“We are disappointed but it is unusual to win every game over the festive period especially with just 14 players and we have now taken six out of nine points with the full focus on getting a result against Bolton on New Year’s Day.”