ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman has expressed his gratitude to Owen Coyle and all the supporters who attended last night’s fund-raising friendly against Burnley at Turf Moor.

A total of 5,301 fans were in attendance as Stanley were beaten 4-0 thanks to goals from Fernando Guerrero and Chris Eagles as well as a double from Jay Rodriguez.

Coyle volunteered Burnley’s services for a friendly after news became public last week that Stanley had eight weeks to pay a £308,000 tax bill or face being wound up.

The match is likely to have raised at least £40,000 for the ailing Reds, with all gate receipts going to the ‘Save Our Stanley’ fund.

“We are thankful to everyone who turned up and we hope to show that their money is going towards a worthy cause,” said the Stanley boss.

“All the money we made from the game is a real bonus. It was a chance to raise money in one big hit.

“It was smashing of Owen to organise the match and it just shows the personality and character of the man.

“We will be eternally grateful to him.”