ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman expressed his delight as his side progressed to the last 16 of the Checkatrade Trophy with a shoot-out victory over holders Lincoln City.

The Stanley manager heaped praise on goalkeeper Jonny Maxted for his penalty heroics as the Reds keeper saved two spot kicks to ensure a 4-2 shoot-out victory, having earlier saved a Lincoln penalty in normal time as the game ended 2-2.

“I’m delighted to be through," the Reds chief said. "It was a cracking game as well to be honest. There were lots of chances and lots of incidents.

“I think both teams could’ve had a penalty and both teams could’ve had players sent off, but it was played in a great spirit."

On Maxted, who came in for the rested Connor Ripley, Coleman added: “When he’s called upon, we can rely on him. He’s got a good nerve about him.

“He also takes a mean penalty himself, so he could’ve been in line for one.”

The Reds have now progressed through two competitions in four days having reached the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday after a 3-1 win over Cheltenham Town.

And Coleman said his side will keep trying to be competitive on all fronts ahead of a League One clash with Sunderland on Saturday.

“I try to win every game I play, whether that has been at this club or another club, that includes Sunday League. I’m not going to change now," he said.

“If you want to win then you’ll try and do everything you can to win and sometimes that will rub people up the wrong way.

“As you get older you get a little bit wiser, but it’s difficult to contain your passion sometimes.”

Coleman also praised Lincoln and their boss Danny Cowley for their part in an entertaining game on Tuesday night.

The Imps twice led with the Reds levelling on each occasion through Scott Brown and sub Jordan Clark.

He added: “Danny’s done a great job there, I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re playing them next season.

“He’s assembled a good squad, I think he’s learnt from last season and they’re now more of a threat.

“They can mix the game up more than last year and that’s showing with the results they’re getting. They were a handful and we expected that.”