Accrington Stanley hosted an emotional reunion for the team of 1961-62.

Eight former Reds, who were playing for Stanley the last time they were involved in the Football League, got together at the newly named Interlink Stadium for the first time in over 40 years.

The event was organised by Bob Wilson (pictured left) with the help of Frank Clayton and Sweden-based Stanley expert Greger Lindberg, who runs the Accrington Stanley history website.

Former players who attended the reunion, ahead of the team's celebration dinner at Accrington Town Hall, were Lawson Bennett, Brian Bades, Alex Smith, Peter Vipham, Mike Pickup, Russ Cuddihy and Graham Lord.

Meanwhile, Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman will continue to experiment with players in tonight's first home pre-season friendly against Blackpool - but knows the time to make tough decisions will soon arrive.

The Reds manager will again use 20-plus players from his squad and a smattering of trialists as the Second Division club come to Accrington (7.45pm).

That was the case as Stanley opened their series of warm-up games prior to the start of the new Conference campaign with a 3-2 win over Unibond Premier League newcomers Radcliffe Borough at Stainton Park on Sunday.

"We will be looking at using quite a few players again against Blackpool," said Coleman.

"We have quite a few trialists who we want to have a good look at and this is the way to do it.

"However, as we go further into the pre-season programme we are going to have to start giving players 90 minutes so they are prepared for matches.

"But for the time being 45 minutes is plenty for everyone and it also gives us a chance to have a good look at people."

Coleman was happy enough with the performance at Radcliffe and said: "Some of our play was very pleasing, but there were errors that will have to be ironed out pretty quickly."

The game saw the return of Martin Clark to action in Stanley colours and a second half debut for former Clarets defender Gordon Armstrong.

However, Stanley's other ex-Burnley player Paul Cook missed the game through injury and may also sit out the match against the Seasiders.

Meanwhile, there could be further changes to Stanley's opening week of Conference action.

Following their first match away at Aldershot being put back a day to Sunday, August 10, with a 5pm kick off as it will be shown live on Sky Television, Stanley are set to ask for a further change.

The Reds have approached the Conference to ask if their home fixture against Leigh RMI can be moved back 24 hours to Wednesday, August 13, due to having to play on Sunday evening.