STANLEY HEADING IN RIGHT DIRECTION

ACCRINGTON Stanley played host to Derby in the FA Cup fourth round yesterday and I’d be surprised if they hadn’t given a good account of themselves.

I have seen Stanley live this season and been suitably impressed.

Manager John Coleman has them playing with a lot of freedom at the Wham Stadium.

Last Saturday I saw them on their travels and they put up a terrific performance against Charlton at The Valley, where they were extremely unfortunate to lose to an injury-time penalty.

Stanley were fantastic in the first half and had chances to take the lead, whilst they tactically nullified the diamond formation Charlton deploy by blocking and screening superbly.

Going forward they were always a threat and, despite Charlton coming on strong in the second half, there was much to admire from a side that are punching well above their weight in League One.

At the back, the two central defenders, Mark Hughes and Ross Sykes, were very calm and assured, with Sykes particularly impressive.

In midfield, the likes of Sean McConville and Jordan Clark were really bright, with Sam Finley superb until the late fracas which has seen him hit with a five-game ban.

Up top, Billy Kee scores goals for fun, although he was quiet against the Addicks.

Alongside him was Luke Armstrong, son of former Middlesbrough forward Alun, who is a real handful.

He was so full of energy and running, and is difficult to defend against in the air. He holds the ball up well and brings others into the game. He’s the ideal foil for Kee.

Armstrong was released by Boro as a youth player before dropping down to play under his dad at Blyth Spartans, where he thrived before Boro signed him again.

He seems to be enjoying his time on loan and Boro will be hoping he will be another Lewis Wing, a player signed from NonLeague who has done brilliantly in the Championship. All in all, Stanley’s future looks bright.