ACCRINGTON Stanley were beaten by Coventry City in their final pre-season friendly this afternoon.

Stanley, who start their campaign in the first round of the League Cup at Carlisle next Saturday, fell behind in the 21st minute when John Fleck scored from the penalty spot after Toto Nsiala had fouled Bruno Cazarine.

Cody McDonald then made it 2-0 three minutes later before Fleck added a sensational third four minutes before half time, chipping the unsuspecting Ian Dunbavin with a 45-yard effort from near the touchline.

It was 4-0 in the 52nd minute as McDonald netted his second but Stanley pulled a goal back with 20 minutes left as striker Karl Sheppard, who is set to complete a six-month loan move from Reading, converted with a smart finish.

Padraig Amond, who spent last season on loan at Stanley, made his comeback as a substitute after being allowed to return to training with the Reds by parent club Pacos de Ferreira.

Stanley: Ian Dunbavin; Craig Lindfield (Will Hatfield 58), Dean Winnard (Peter Murphy 23), Toto Nsiala (Lee Molyneux 63), Michael Liddle; Luke Joyce (Aron Wint 84), George Miller; Charlie Barnett (Tom Eckersley 54), Luke Clark (Bohan Dixon 80), Aidan Chippendale (Padraig Amond 58); James Gray (Karl Sheppard 46). Subs not used: Tony Warner.

Coventry: Joe Murphy; Jordan Clarke, Richard Wood, William Edjenguele, Kevin Kilbane; Billy Daniels, Reece Brown (Gary McSheffrey 25), John Fleck (Roy O’Donovan 76), Carl Baker; Cody McDonald, Bruno Cazarine (Callum Ball 46). Subs not used: Lee Burge, Kevin Malaga, Joe Henderson.