BEATING the league leaders is a special day, but, when you smash three past them and win the game with only 10 men it’s a magnificent performance that will live long in the memories of all Stanley fans.

The game had loads of added spice with our previous two managers returning with their top of the table charges, the Chesterfield side also contained Gary Roberts and Jimmy Ryan, both former Stanley heroes.

It was however a present day Stanley player who cemented his place in the Reds hall of fame.

Lee Molyneux hit a first half hat-trick that sent the Accrington Stanley fans wild.

James Beattie judged his tactics perfectly and it has to be said he out-performed Chesterfield’s management duo at both ends of the pitch.

One can only wonder what Beattie could do with Stanley if he had the cash of say a Chesterfield or Fleetwood to play with.

He has dealt well in the loan market and has persuaded quality players to make the Store First Stadium their home.

Tonight’s match against Hartlepool is another massive opportunity for Stanley to put more daylight between themselves and the bottom two.