ON paper an all League Two FA Cup first round tie might not have been the most attractive proposition but anyone at the Wham Stadium for Accrington Stanley’s 3-2 win over York City must surely have headed home feeling like they’d got value for money.

The Reds navigated their way into the draw for round two with an exciting attacking display that saw Sean McConville, Matt Crooks and Josh Windass find the net in atrocious conditions.

The visitors arrived under new management, with Scot Jackie McNamara at the helm for the first time.

The Reds made the opening chances, with Matty Pearson and Windass both firing over before York keeper Scott Flinders had to slide out to stop McConville netting the first goal.

City posed a threat themselves though, with Eddie Nolan seeing a shot deflected over and Vadaine Oliver forcing a sharp save from Jason Mooney in the Stanley goal.

It was John Coleman’s side who struck the first blow though, with McConville capping off a wonderful move. Crooks flicked the ball to Piero Mingoia down the right, he advanced into the area and gave the ball to Windass who found the winger on the left and he smashed his third of the season off the inside of the post.

The lead would be shortlived though, with McNamara’s men level five minutes later. Bryn Morris escaped Brad Halliday’s attentions down the left and crossed for Oliver who saw his first shot blocked by Mooney but then the ball ricochet off him and in despite Pearson and Tom Davies trying to clear.

York were now back on terms but got a taste of their own medicine less than two minutes after scoring when Crooks put the hosts back in front.

Billy Kee laid the ball to Windass and his pass set the midfielder away as he raced into the box and caressed a perfect finish into the right corner from a tight angle.

With the score 2-1 at the break Stanley had their noses in front and improved their position immediately after the restart when Kee was shoved in the box by Femi Ilesanmi and referee Fred Graham pointed to the spot.

Windass dinked his penalty straight down the middle in the ultimate display of how confident he is at the moment. 3-1.

Now Flinders had to step up to prevent the lead being extended; a fierce strike from Mingoia bounced back off the keeper’s chest before he parried a Windass free kick from the edge of the box as Stanley looked to force home their advantage. Even full back Halliday was in on the act, with a super weaving run resulting in a shot driven just wide of the target.

Sub Jake Hyde shot into the side netting and then Oliver thought he’d scored again with a far post header.

There was a late goal for the Minstermen, with Michael Coulson heading home at the back post in the 92nd minute, but it was too late to prevent ball number 34 having Stanley’s name next to it.