ACCRINGTON Stanley’s Wembley dream is alive after they beat Fleetwood Town 5-3 on penalties to progress to the quarter finals of the Leasing.com Trophy.
John Coleman’s side led through Joe Pritchard’s opener before second half strikes from Josh Morris and Danny Andrew appeared to seal victory for the Cod Army. But Ross Sykes grabbed a last minute equaliser to set up a penalty shoot-out where Sam Finley scored the decisive spot kick.
The first 20 minutes were positive for Stanley as they weathered the early Fleetwood storm and they passed the ball around well in the midfield. And they took the lead in the 35th minute when Pritchard scored following a counter attack from a Fleetwood free kick.
Bursik punched the ball clear allowing Sam Finley to pump it upfield for Dion Charles to chase.
After playing the ball back to Finley, Charles then received it back and his low cross was met by Pritchard.
Five minutes into the second half, Joey Barton’s side levelled as Morris stooped low to guide his header beyond Bursik into the far corner of the net. It was a poor time for the Reds to concede a goal.
Pritchard displayed a fine bit of footwork to get beyond his full back and whip in a low ball across the face of goal where Offrande Zanzala was so close to restoring the lead.
But Stanley were facing being knocked out of the cup as Andrew put Fleetwood in front with 20 minutes to play.
The left back whipped a free kick over the wall and into the top corner of the goal as Bursik was expecting a cross to be delivered from that distance.
Stanley missed the industry of Sean McConville and Colby Bishop’s goal threat up front as they struggled to create any meaningful chances in the second period.
Paddy Madden should have sealed the game for Fleetwood and moments later, the game was all square again as Sykes slotted calmly to set up the shoot out.
And it was Finley who smashed his penalty into the top corner to send the Reds through.
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