Stanley boss John Coleman was pleased to “keep moving the scoreboard along” following their 1-1 draw against Barnsley.

The Tykes had won their last five league games but had to settle for a point after Tommy Leigh’s penalty cancelled out James Norwood’s early opener.

Coleman wasn’t happy with his side’s display in the opening 45 minutes but felt they improved after the break.

“We looked rusty in the first half,” he said. “We couldn’t get going, we couldn’t mount a challenge. They scored a decent goal from their perspective, it was poor from us.

“We didn’t look ourselves and the lads were told in no uncertain terms at half-time.

“In the second half we livened up, and sometimes you have to take what you get and - not playing particularly well - we got a point.

“We were better in the second half, we competed better. It would be easy to make excuses, we have had injuries and sickness, which isn’t ideal.

“But sometimes, when it’s all hands to the pump and you get a result when you are not quite at your optimum force, you have got to be grateful.

“Overall, they have been on a good run and you have got to be pleased with a point and we have to keep moving the scoreboard along.”

The result leaves the Reds 20th in the League One table – a point above the relegation zone - although they have played at least one game fewer than the sides around them.

Coleman’s men are back in action on Thursday, December 29 when they head to the Mazuma Stadium to take on Morecambe (7.45pm).