MATT Butcher has urged Accrington Stanley not to view the EFL Trophy as a distraction but an opportunity to build momentum.

After a winning start to the League One season, the Reds recovered from back-to-back defeats by coming back from behind on Saturday to become the first team to beat AFC Wimbledon this season.

It was a timely boost for John Coleman's men, whose attentions turn to the EFL Trophy tonight and the visit of Blackpool (kick-off 7pm).

And while the league is the priority for Stanley, Butcher says they must view the game as a chance to capitalise on the progress they made on Saturday.

“If we can keep that winning momentum going, regardless of what competition it is, you can’t beat that feeling. So to keep that momentum going is of massive importance to us, and it’s something we’ll look to do going into these games," said the midfielder.

“Looking at the (previous) couple of games we were disappointed with the results but they didn’t reflect how we’d played and they both went hand in hand today.

“We reaped the benefit of the things we’d been working on during the week and we go the three points as well so we couldn’t have asked for much more in that respect."

And he feels they can take extra encouragement from the manner of the win, after Ryan Longman had given the home side the lead but Stanley responded with two goals in four minutes, including a first for Butcher since his summer move from Bournemouth.

“The way we were playing it (Wimbledon's goal) was probably against the run of play I think," said the 23-year-old.

“We were doing a lot to get the ball into our strikers’ feet and create some chances."

Defender Ross Sykes equalised before Butcher scored what proved to be the winner.

“It was great. The quality we had on the ball today allowed us to get a lot of shots. I think I had five or six shots and I was lucky that one went in," he said.

“I think that the quality allowed me to get in those positions higher up and then pick up shots and then it becomes a little bit easier, so I was happy about that.

“I’ve had a few chances over the last few games.

“It was nice to get one today and hopefully I can build on that and keep getting goals and opportunities to help the team win."

Saturday's game at AFC Wimbledon began a run of eight games in all competitions in October. And Butcher feels a hectic schedule can help Stanley's new-look team to bond.

“There’s a lot of new players, myself included, so it’s always going to take time to get used to how people play. I think you can see partnerships building around the park and hopefully that can continue to improve and help us to win games," he said.

“There are a lot of new challenges for everyone so the more we can be together and help each other, and the more we can dig in on the ball and off the ball it’s going to improve everyone’s performance.

“It’s going to help the team and then allow individuals to shine around it."