Billy’s the Kee as Stanley claim win
ACCRINGTON claimed their second league win of the season with a rocksolid performance against Bristol Rovers and boss John Coleman insists there is still plenty more to come.
The Stanley manager was delighted to see Billy Kee net a 68th minute winner with a spectacular overhead kick just moments after being introduced as a substitute.
But further chances went begging as Rovers desperately threw men forward in the closing stages and Coleman admitted frustration over his side’s meagre goals return this season.
He said: “We knew we had to tighten up defensively after conceding too many last season and that has happened.
“But I don’t want it to be at the expense of going forward and creating chances.We are a better side than we are showing offensively at the moment.
“I want that buzz of seeing us get more goals. Billy has scored with his second touch and hopefully winning away will breed confidence.
“If we had taken our late chances it would have been harsh on Rovers because there wasn’t much in the game.
“But we need that bit more quality in the opposition box. Goals produce adrenalin, which is like a drug.You just want more and more.”
Kee’s bicycle kick from just outside the six-yard box came after a right wing corner had been headed towards goal and was out of all context with a drab game of few clear chances.
The best fell to Accrington at the death when Rovers’ debutant goalkeeper Lee Nicholls, on loan from Wigan Athtletic, did well to save a shot from another substitute Shay McCartan.
McCartan broke clear again in injury time and set up a chance for Matt Crooks. But he shot tamely wide with only Nicholls to beat. Rovers tested Accrington keeper Jason Mooney only once when he had to dive to turn a Chris Lines free kick around a post.
The hosts were unable to breach a visiting defence in which Tom Davies excelled and manager Darrell Clarke cut a frustrated figure.
He said:“The lads are giving everything, but we didn’t have enough quality with our final pass or finishing. That’s three defeats on the trot, but it is a time for sticking together and staying strong, rather than panicking.
“Of course, I am concerned and the performance was very disappointing.We are not quite getting on the end of things at the moment.
“As a group, we understand that and will work hard to put it right. Football is a game of tight margins and we are a nearly team with our final ball and crosses.”