I love to be beside the seaside!

JOHN Coleman has had many reasons to be proud in his four-and-a-half-year reign as Accrington Stanley manager.

But few moments will match up to seeing his side earn a replay, and a chance to play in the FA Cup third round for the first time since the club reformed in 1968, following 90 minutes of sheer graft against Second Division Bournemouth.

The Reds manager will be the first to admit that Bournemouth - 50 rungs higher in the football ladder - put his side under immense pressure for long periods.

But the way his players handled the big occasion will be pumping him full of confidence for the replay, which will be live on Sky at the Interlink Express Stadium next Monday.

From number one Jamie Speare through to lone striker and goal hero Paul Mullin, the players displayed amazing spirit, determination and endeavour.

Even Cherries boss Sean O'Driscoll heaped praise on the Conference side, and knows a home tie against Colchester is anything but a foregone conclusion, even though they forced Stanley onto the back foot within seconds of the whistle.

But when Robbie Williams made a timely tackle on Warren Feeney, it set a precedent for an afternoon of rock solid defending, which the home side struggled to break down even after Stanley were forced into an early change.

When Feeney slipped the ball through for strike partner Steve Fletcher just inside the area, Speare slid out bravely to claim the ball but, in doing so, collided with Jonathan Smith. He re-appeared after treatment and was still involved when Rory Prendergast cut in from the left to test goalkeeper Neil Moss with a low drive. But the defender was clearly struggling and Stanley were forced into an untimley swap.

Just as he impressed in last week's win over Barnet, replacement Paul Howarth was solid on the right.

Alterations in the rearguard resulted in right back Peter Cavanagh moving to the left, with Steve Halford switching from left back to the centre alongside Robbie Williams.

But the changes didn't detract from the gameplan - even up front.

For when Stanley were awarded a corner on eight minutes, following another Prendergast drive, the winger floated the corner to the near post.

In training, Smith had occupied that position, but a nod from Coleman confirmed Mullin would be the targetman there.

Prendergast's accurate delivery found Mullin unmarked and his thumping header beat Neil Moss from close range.

They would have dreamed about taking the lead at the Fitness First Stadium, formerly known as Dean Court. But there is always a danger that an early goal can spark a reaction and force the floodgates open.

Not so, however, for Stanley.

Wade Elliott pressed down the right, but Halford headed his cross into the area clear, when Brian Stock's corner was headed goalwards by Fletcher, Speare showed safe hands, and when Feeney burst through, Speare was brave in racing out to clear the 50-50 ball long.

The longer Stanley's lead stayed in tact, the more frustrated Bournemouth became. And that was particularly evident when Elliott rushed his shot and blazed over from Fletcher's knock-down.

Fletcher then set up Marcus Browning, who hit a shot first time but Speare saved superbly before Cavanagh cleared Fletcher's shot on the turn in front of the line.

Whatever Bournemouth had tried, Stanley had more than matched them defensively, so much so they ended the first half with a flurry.

Cavanagh's 25-yard free-kick for a foul on Mullin was struck hard and low but dropped kindly for the keeper. First round hero Andy Gouck then had a left foot shot but it wouldn't dip in time.

Bournemouth continued to plough forward after the break, with Browning having a shot deflected before Stanley were forced into desperate measures to defend their lines. The back four threw their bodies in front of the ball to deny an equaliser.

But 10 minutes after the re-start, Lutel James struggled to control a long ball upfield, Garreth O'Connor's cross was knocked back to Browning by Fletcher and midfielder Browning's strike screamed past Speare's left hand.

Bournemouth looked to capitalise on their momentum but again they were met by a determined defence, not to mention the crossbar, which Stephen Purches rattled while Speare performed heroics to tip Stock's free-kick onto the woodwork.

Stanley, too, had chances, with Paul Cook's drive causing problems for the keeper and substitute Gordon Armstrong seeing a powerful header fly just wide.

At the opposite end, Armstrong flung himself in front of Stock's shot to make a brave block, but Stanley ended the game on the offensive with two late corners, after Moss just managing to keep out Andy Procter's vicious effort.

When Stanley were reformed under the guidance of manager Jimmy Hinksman, an appropriate song was penned.

Stanley's a team that's being talked about

Their name and fame are spreading far and wide

They're on the map, it's true,

They're sportsmen through and through

With the gallant lads in Red who've turned the tide.

On! Stanley, on!

That's what we want to hear

On! Stanley, on!

It's our revival year.

Pass the ball and score the goals until the game is won.

Keep up the old traditions lads and on Stanley on!

Thirty five years on, those sentiments still apply to John Coleman's bravehearts.