ACCRINGTON Stanley striker Sean Maguire believes the support of his family inspired him to score his first Football League brace.

The young Irishman was at the double to secure an impressive point against Stevenage on Saturday, after Stanley were made to play almost the entire game with 10 men.

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It looked like being a difficult afternoon for the Reds when Nicky Hunt was sent off inside the first two minutes for an alleged push. The experienced defender has since had his three game ban cut to just one match.

But Maguire’s goals twice got John Coleman’s side on the front foot.

Although Stevenage pegged them back both times to earn a late 2-2 draw, loanee Maguire was pleased to be able to celebrate with his family.

“It was also special for me because all my family were here – my mum, dad and little brother and sister. The last time they came it was Wycombe and I scored then so they are my lucky charms.” smiled the 20-year-old.

The Irishman was on target in the 15th and 40th minutes, only for play-off chasing Stevenage to hit back through Simon Walton’s 19th-minute and then Chris Beardsley’s last-gasp leveller.

“I am happy, a double in a game has been a long time coming for me,” added Maguire.

“I have always wanted to get a brace or a hat-trick and I haven’t done it since my semi-professional days .”

Speaking to the club’s official website, Maguire praised Josh Windass for his role in the first goal.

“Josh made a great run, beat his man and I saw the keeper was on one side and the other side was free, I knew where the ball was going,” he said.

“For the second, it was a long throw, Joycey (Luke Joyce) got a little touch on it and again I found the same corner .”