Defeat leaves a bitter taste for new boy

STANLEY had goalkeeping coach Tony Warner on the bench for the Gillingham clash after signing him on a playing contract to act as cover.

The 44-year-old was announced as Stanley’s new goalkeeping coach in July following the departure of Billy Stewart.

Boss John Coleman has been on the hunt for a stopper to rival Jonny Maxted, following Aaron Chapman’s departure to Peterborough earlier this summer but has been thwarted in his attempts to bring in a loan keeper.

Warner, who was at Stanley three years ago but didn’t make an appearance, has played at Fulham

SHELDAN KEAY

ACCRINGTON Stanley midfielder Sam Finley admits Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Gillingham left a bitter taste in his mouth.

The Reds came up short in their first ever match in League One, with Gillingham running out winners at the Wham Stadium and been at Liverpool and Hull, as well as playing in Scotland and in the Football League. He has also played and coached in Australia, Malta and India.

“Obviously Tony is very experienced, he is our goalkeeping coach but he is still very fit and we know, if he is needed, he can play at this level,” said Coleman.

“We are still on the hunt for a goalkeeper but it’s been a frustrating search so far.”

Warner, who stands at 6ft 4in, said: “It’s good to be back in the Football League coaching at this level. I didn’t expect to be on the bench but I was ready to step up to the plate if necessary.” after first half goals from Brandon Hanlan and Josh Parker.

It meant it was a disappointing day for Finley, who had been celebrating his 26th birthday – but he hopes the team can now bounce back against Bristol Rovers this weekend.

“The result did put a bit of a dampener on my birthday but I went out in Manchester with a few of the lads, which was prearranged.

“It did leave a bitter taste at the time, though, but it’s gone now and we go again next week at Bristol Rovers,” he told the club’s official website.

“We lost the game in the first half. I thought Gillingham were decent, but I thought I did OK when I came on.

“Maybe with them being 2-0 up they sat back and tried to defend their lead so it might have looked like I played a little bit better than I thought, but I might be being harsh on myself.

“I just tried to add some energy into the side and I thought we were close to getting a goal a couple of times.”

It was Finley’s competitive debut for Stanley following his switch from Fylde earlier in the summer.

“Playing in the Football League is something I have always wanted to do.

“To jump up two leagues from the Conference to League One was brilliant for myself and my friends and family who have played big part in my career,” he said.

“I am made up the gaffer had faith in me but massively disappointed with the result.”