Accrington’s second pre season friendly of the summer yesterday ended with a second win for manager James Beattie and the boys, although it appears we were under the stewardship of assistant manager Paul Stephenson in the game.
It wasn’t as comprehensive as our previous game against New Mills, but it was non the less another good showing and goals came courtesy of a brace by midfielder Will Hatfield.
Beattie selected a strong line up with nine regular first teamers in the starting eleven, and the selection paid off as Stanley quickly got into their stride and our first chance of note came in the third minute fro James Gray who was stopped by the goalkeeper again seven minutes later.
Despite the strong start from Accrington, it was Nelson who took the lead, and despite our best efforts their keeper was in fine form and continued to keep us at bay, and with Gray having particular difficulty in getting the better of him, Luke Joyce squared to Will Hatfield who slotted his first away, before then grabbing the goal that put us into the lead eight minutes after the restart.
Gray continued to be a particular threat, but it was Hatfield who could’ve worked his way to a hattrick on the day, but their keeper had decided to not let him score either by that point.
And that was how the match finished.
Stephenson did take the opportunity to make seven outfield changes at the break through as he looked to give others a 45 minute run out as well, and one of the replacements was fellow striker James Jenkins who could’ve also found himself on the score sheet. Whilst that wasn’t to be, Beattie and the management staff would’ve been impressed with the efforts of the youth graduate.
Stanley 1st half:
Turner, Hunt, Winnard, Aldred, Beverley, Naismith, Windass, Joyce, Hatfield, McCartan, Gray.
Stanley 2nd half:
Turner, Buxton, Aldred, Atkinson, Liddle, Carver, Windass (Goddard), Joyce (Martin), Mingoia, Jenkins (Ormerod) Bowerman (Jenkins).
Share this article