WHO ARE THEY? THE CHAMPIONS
ACCRINGTON fans celebrated in style as Jordan Clark fired their team to the League Two title against play-off chasing Lincoln.
The Stanley faithful rejoiced on the pitch at the end of the game after top spot was secured in front of a record crowd of nearly 5,000 at the Wham Stadium.
Clark bundled home the decisive goal shortly before the break while Stanley were also afforded the luxury of a missed penalty from Billy Kee.
The deserved victory complemented a terrific home campaign for John Coleman’s heroes.
The Stanley boss said: “The players and the fans have been great all season, and they deserve this success.
“We wanted that title and you could see by the way we went about our business that every player was desperate to secure it here.
“It has been a great season, of course, but we’ve all had to put plenty of hard work in. “We deserved to win. “Lincoln are no mugs and still have lots to play for but we’ve managed to nullify their threat and got the victory for our fans.
“It’s been a really tough season but when you see the fans celebrating like this, it makes everything worthwhile.”
Stanley deserved to lead at the break following a dramatic opening 45 minutes.
Talisman Kee almost broke the deadlock early on when he fired a 20-yard strike wide.
Lincoln responded positively, however, and giant striker Matt Rhead saw a header saved impressively by Aaron Chapman.
The hosts surged into the lead in the 35th minute.
The Wham Stadium erupted when Clark tapped home Sean McConville’s driven cross to register his ninth goal of a dream campaign.
Stanley fluffed a superb chance to double their advantage just before the interval when Kee saw his spot-kick saved by Ryan Allsop after Michael Bostwick had upended Seamus Conneely.
The visitors came close to a leveller soon after the restart when Ollie Palmer dragged a shot disappointingly wide, while Stanley hit back, with Kayden Jackson forcing a fine stop from Allsop.
Late on, Luke Waterfall headed wide for a Lincoln outfit who ought to still head into their play-off campaign in terrific heart.
Imps manager Danny Cowley said: “Fair play to the lads – they gave it everything and I can’t fault them for that.
“This has been a tough place to come to for most teams this season, don’t forget, but we went toe-to-toe with Accrington for the most part.
“It’s been a really long, hard season and some of the players look a little tired maybe, and that’s understandable.
“As long as the effort and commitment is there every time they step out, I can’t ask for any more than that.”