ACCRINGTON Stanley were beaten by visitors Rotherham United in League Two tonight.

Dean Winnard put Stanley ahead in the second minute as he headed home Charlie Barnett’s corner.

But Rotherham were level only three minutes later as a mix-up saw Winnard divert Ian Sharps’ diagonal ball past keeper Ian Dunbavin, allowing Daniel Nardiello to find the empty net.

Rommy Boco had a shot cleared off the line later in the first half but the visitors went 2-1 in front in the 48th minute as out Nardiello’s cross-shot was diverted in as Dunbavin was unable to keep the ball out.

Star striker James Beattie, 34, did not feature in the game with Stanley hosting Oxford United in the FA Cup second round tie on Saturday.

Stanley: Ian Dunbavin; Dean Winnard, Toto Nsiala, Rob Atkinson, Michael Liddle; Luke Joyce, George Miller (Peter Murphy 84); Craig Lindfield, Rommy Boco, Charlie Barnett (Aidan Chippendale 79); Padraig Amond (James Gray 68). Subs not used: Andrew Dawber, Bohan Dixon, Luke Clark, Will Hatfield.

Rotherham: Andy Warrington; Mark Bradley, Ian Sharps, Johnny Mullins, Liam Ridehalgh; Courtney Cameron (Luke Rooney 90), Michael O’Connor, Jason Taylor, Daniel Nardiello (Lee Frecklington 82); Ben Pringle; Alex Revell. Sub s not used: Tony Thompson, Nicky Hunt, Jack O’Connell, Nicky Walker, Kayode Odejayi.

Referee: Chris Sarginson.

Attendance: 1,424.