SOME weeks ago I decided that the trip to Burton would be my three-year-old son’s first away game.

At about 100 miles from Accrington I had figured that the ratio of ‘are we nearly there yet’ to travel sweets would be at an acceptable level.

The day had more twists and turns than a Jimmy Ryan run from midfield and it started with John Coleman making nine changes to his team.

Not too long ago that would have been impossible for John to try, as half the bench was made up of YTS players. Now our squad has some depth and it was good to see players given a chance to shine.

Burton scored from one of their numerous chances, but nothing can stop the Stanley bandwagon and up popped Dean Winnard to equalise in the last 10 minutes, taking Stanley’s unbeaten run to 13.

Our play-off opponents changed throughout the game and it was Stevenage who secured sixth with a draw against Bury.

We have finished the season in fifth spot, amassing 73 points, and have only lost nine matches. On the three other occasions we have lost less than 10 matches in a season with John and Jimmy at the helm, we have been promoted.

The games against Stevenage will be tough.

But with the spirit and talent overflowing in the Stanley dressing room, I am sure we will have enough to overcome our southern opponents.

‘How did Little Lowe enjoy his first away experience?’, I hear you ask. Well, he kicked the back of my seat all the way down, promptly fell asleep five minutes before kick-off and only rising from his slumber in time to get back in the car to continue his assault on my spine for the two-hour drive back home... joy!