Superb Stanley surge to second

KAYDEN Jackson’s second-half strike separated the sides as high-flying Accrington notched a ninth victory in 11 games.

It wasn’t the prettiest of spectacles on a bitterly cold Lancashire afternoon but Stanley just about did enough to leave boss John Coleman beaming.

Wycombe’s surprise defeat at home to Morecambe ensured Accrington moved up to second in the table.

Coleman said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the result.

“We started well and opened Cambridge up a little bit in the opening stages but we didn’t create too many clear-cut chances.

“Give Cambridge their due; they battled so well but I always figured it might be a scrappy game, so it was down to us to dig in and dig out a result.

“We forced Cambridge back more in the second half, yet still it was tough, but we got the job done and that’s all that matters.

“Sometimes, you have got to give it everything at this stage of the season and we did that, and showed tremendous spirit in holding out for the result.”

The visitors enjoyed the better of the opening period at the Wham Stadium.

They were denied by the woodwork after only seven minutes when Liam O’Neil’s firm header, from Brad Halliday’s cross, struck the bar.

Minutes later, Medy Elito fired in a daisycutter which was comfortably gathered by Aaron Chapman.

Jevani Brown ought to have registered when sent clean through but Chapman saved well with his legs.

It was against the run of play when Stanley struck in the 57th minute. Jackson made the most of George Taft’s inability to clear, nicking the ball before rolling it comfortably past David Forde.

Cambridge continued to press for a goal their display deserved but Billy Waters and Halliday were both thwarted by Chapman.

Billy Kee fluffed Stanley’s best late chance to notch again. Cambridge boss Joe Dunne wasn’t too downhearted, despite his team’s threematch winning streak coming to an end.

He said: “You do have to take the rough with the smooth sometimes.

“That was a really good performance from my team against one of the division’s top sides.

“We nullified them, really - well, almost - but we just couldn’t find a goal.

“The only thing that was missing for us was the result. On many other days, we’d have got at least a draw.

“It’s a setback but I can’t be too critical.”