Ripley leads the plaudits for goalscorer

SHELDAN KEAY

ACCRINGTON Stanley goalkeeper Connor Ripley heaped praise on the performance of striker Billy Kee after his goal ensured Stanley moved into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Kee scored late on for Accrington to earn his side the victory over Championship opposition, with either Southampton or Derby County now awaiting in round four.

Ripley, right, also put in a good display to help keep a clean sheet, but he felt it was Kee that deserved all of the plaudits after the triumph.

“I think we deserved the win, we were the better side and Billy got the goal and we were delighted to keep a clean sheet,” he told the club’s official website.

“Billy doesn’t score screamers, they are tap-ins or penalties, but they all count. The FA Cup is special and that win was important for our confidence as well as the finances.”

The match also saw 17-year-old youth team player Harry Perritt on the bench for the first time, and he was delighted to be involved in a special occasion.

He said: “I was buzzing when I got told, I couldn’t believe it. Even just being involved and being in the changing rooms was amazing. My dad wanted a picture of me with my shirt and it was a dream come true.”

Accrington will find out next week who they will be playing in the next round, when the replay between Southampton and Derby County takes place at St Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday 16 January.