‘If we do get success, it’ll be a reflection on all of us’

no-one’s trying to just get through a game. They’re working themselves into the ground.

“Every game we play is only going to get bigger and bigger. You see how much it means to the players and the fans and the staff. It’s a communal effort. If we do get the success, it’ll be a reflection on all of us.”

A feisty encounter at the One Call Stadium was swung in Stanley’s favour early on when Mansfield defender Mal Benning was sent off for a high challenge on Billy Kee in the 13th minute.

Prior to the dismissal both sides gave good accounts of themselves. Play-off chasing Mansfield started brightly, with Lee Angol drawing a fine save from Aaron Chapman in the opening exchanges.

Accrington grew into the game, however, with their first real opening falling to Kayden Jackson, who scampered onto a ball over the top from Scott Brown, but could only find the side netting.

Chapman was on hand again for Stanley