Stanley ease to

Accrington clesfield

CHECKATRADE TROPHY NORTHERN GROUP C STANLEY........................... 4 MACCLESFIELD .............. 1 SHELDAN KEAY

A4-1 Mac- CCRINGTON Stanley picked up a big win in their first Checkatrade Trophy group stage match after comfortably beating League Two side Macclesfield Town at the Wham Stadium.

Two goals from Offrande Zanzala, along with strikes from Sam Finley and Dan Barlaser helped John Coleman’s men come out on top against the Silkmen.

The win leaves Stanley top of their group, and Coleman was pleased with his side.

“I’m delighted for the lads who came in. We made a few changes but the flow and rhythm of the game didn’t change,” he said.

“Historically you don’t get big attendances for this format, but those that were here saw something special as Dan Barlaser’s goal is one of the best you’ll see.

“I’m disappointed that we conceded a goal, but you have to give Macclesfield their due as they were lively and had a go. They played good football so it was a good win for us.

“We created a few chances in the first half and carried that on into the second.

“There were some good performances out there, and I’m pleased for Zanzala for getting two goals.

“We’ve got some good players who are all pushing for a start, and that win will do them all the world of good.

“We want to qualify from the group as quickly as we can, and go into every game trying to win.”

Accrington made eight changes from the team that lost 1-0 to Shrewsbury on Saturday, with only Finley, Barlaser and Nick Anderton retaining their places in the side.

Accrington were the better side throughout the first half, creating numerous chances, but it looked like their hard work would go unrewarded as the interval approached.

That changed on 35 minutes as Stanley took the lead.

Zanzala’s goal-bound cross was met by Finley at the far post, who headed into an empty net to make it 1-0 to the home side at half-time.

Despite dominating proceedings in the first half, Coleman’s men were unable to add to their tally and Macclesfield made them pay for the missed chances