Stanley boss John Coleman was pleased to kick-off the new League Two campaign with a win after beating Newport 3-0 at the Wham Stadium.

The Reds opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Tommy Leigh’s through ball split the Newport defence and found Jack Nolan, who rounded ‘keeper Nick Townsend and slotted home.

Brad Hills hooked a Ryan Delaney header off the line as the Exiles looked for an equaliser in the first half.

Stanley doubled their lead in the 80th minute when substitute Seb Quirk’s ball into the area was headed home by fellow substitute Shaun Whalley.

The Reds added a third in the fourth minute of stoppage time when a cross by Hills was forced home from close range by Korede Adedoyin.

“I am pleased with the scoreline, delighted with the three points, the three goals and the clean sheet but 3-0 did flatter us,” said Coleman.

“There were a few harsh words said after the game as we had a 25-minute spell at 1-0 where we lost our way and they took control of the game and, on another day, we would have been punished.

“We have got to play miles better than that but thankfully we got the second and then third goals.

“We had two lads making their league debuts in the back line in Brad Hills and Lewis Shipley and Brad was outstanding.

“We also had Jay Rich-Baghuelou playing his first game in 10 months in defence and they have probably never played at that intensity but they all rolled their sleeves up.

“There were some big performances but we have to iron out the mistakes.”