Keeper Connor thrilled with win in first start

NEW Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Connor Ripley says he was pleased with his debut for the club and hopes he can kick on from there throughout the rest of the campaign.

Ripley has joined Stanley on loan from Championship side Middlesbrough for the rest of the season, and his first start for the club saw him help the side earn a 2-1 win at Bristol Rovers.

The 25-year-old has revealed that Accrington have been keen on his services for a while, and after looking at his options he was more than happy to make the switch.

“Accrington have been chasing me for a while and there was other stuff in the pipeline but I wanted to come here, it’s a club that is forward looking, a club that is going in the right direction,” he told the club’s official website.

“Bristol Rovers away is always a hard game, I don’t think I have ever won there and the fans are close to the pitch.

“But I was happy with my performance, I have shown I can make saves, I am good with the ball at my feet and, as time goes on, I will get to know everyone’s position and their strengths and it can only get better.”

Reds manager John Coleman was pleased with Ripley’s debut, but insists that fellow goalkeeper Jonny Maxted still remains in contention for the number one shirt.

“Connor did well, it was a hard decision between him and Jonny but I had a chat with Jonny. Connor is someone we have wanted for a while and we have had to be patient,” he said. “I have always said I don’t want a number one, I want two to fight for the place.”