ACCRINGTON Stanley came back from an early goal to keep their Unibond Premier Division title hopes on the right track.

Leading goalscorers Lutel James and Paul Mullin were on fire once more for the Reds as Stanley recorded their first win at Giant Axe under the management of John Coleman.

And the former Lancaster coach was delighted with the his side's all round display.

"It was a good performance," Coleman said.

"It was a very difficult game to win, especially because the pitch and the conditions made it difficult for both sides.

"It was uneven and hard, so the ball wouldn't settle and was hard to control, but it was a leveller for the game."

Former Stanley player Brian Walsh put the home side ahead after 10 minutes when a lucky deflection put Brian Butler clean through before he set up Walsh to finish.

But Stanley were back on level terms 15 minutes later from the penalty spot after Jon Smith had his shirt pulled in the 18-yard box.

James stepped up and struck the ball well. The goalkeeper dived the right way but James' effort was too powerful and the ball nestled in the bottom right hand corner.

Mullin and James both had chances to put Stanley in front before the break but the Lancaster goalkeeper proved to be up to the task.

The visitors opened the second half brightly and went in front on the hour after James broke down the left flank.

He fired a cross into the penalty area where Mullin hit the ball on the volley with his right foot for an excellent finish to hand Stanley the lead.

Lancaster gave them a late scare as Andy Whittaker was allowed a free header at the far post but Jamie Speare managed to get across his goal to keep the ball out.

Peter Cavanagh was on hand to make a couple of crucial interceptions in the closing stages as Stanley managed to hang on to all three points.

Coleman said: "The lads worked really hard in a game where chances were at a premium, so it was good to get that win under our belt.

"We're just looking to the target of 94 points now to win the title. To achieve 100 points would be a great bonus but if somebody offered me 94 now I'd take it.

"The important thing is for us to keep our feet on the ground and keep our nerve to win a few more games.

"It's important for us to stay focused."

Team: Speare, Cavanagh, Hollis, Halford, Smith, Payne (Calcutt 60), Marsh, Protcer, Prendergast, Mullin, James.

LANCASTER CITY ...1 ACCRINGTON STANLEY ...2