SAM Finley highlighted how important it was for his Accrington Stanley side to keep their winning run going as they beat Lincoln City on Saturday.

The midfielder came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 4-3 victory over the Imps, moving Stanley 16 points clear of the League One drop zone.

Stanley's win at the Wham Stadium at the weekend was their third on the bounce in League One action.

"It was brilliant," said Finley. "I came on with half an hour to go, Sadou Diallo had got booked, the game was a little bit end-to-end and a little bit scrappy and the gaffer made the decision to bring him off and bring me on. Then I got booked after five minutes so he was probably thinking 'oh no'.

"I have just opened my body to shape as if I was going far post and I knew it wouldn't have got there as the defender was in the way so I have just reversed it in the last minute and the keeper has took a step and luckily it's gone in at the near post.

"It's was great, especially with the timing being the 95th minute.

"It was a weird game to watch. The first half hour there was nothing in it and then it just blew up and it was end-to-end, the conditions played a massive part and it was like a game of basketball.

"Coming out with the three points and keeping the run of form going was massive."

Finley thinks it shows the strength in the Stanley squad that himself and Joe Pritchard came off the bench to score.

"Me and Joe came off the bench and both scored – I will admit Joe's goal was better than mine," added Finley.

"That just shows the strength in depth we have in the squad, the gaffer has brought three lads – me, Joe and Colby - off the bench and we have all come on and made an impact and we are all fighting for our places.

"It's great to be back involved and now I am trying to fight for my shirt back."