Alex Henderson and Billy Crellin were among those who got minutes under their belt as Stanley kicked off the Central League Cup with a 1-1 draw against Bolton Wanderers.
Joe Toole’s volley looked to have secured all three points for Bolton until Lewis Rhodes’ slotted home from close range at the death.
The Reds started brightly and Josh Woods thought he had opened the scoring, but his low drive struck a post.
Bolton’s first chance fell to Oliver Smith, who was denied by Crellin from a tight angle after breaking into the box.
The opener came inside the opening 15 minutes when a set-piece fell to Toole and he made no mistake with a thumping volley.
James Westwood threatened to double the lead but his free kick was tipped over at full stretch by Crellin.
Dubem Eze went on a good run but could only drag an effort wide as Bolton continued to have joy in the final third.
However, Stanley seized control as the first half went on and Rhodes’ cross nearly crept in at the near post, but Jack Dallimore did well to tip it around the post.
Toole made an important clearance from Ash Hunter’s low drive across the face of goal before Henderson cut in from the left and sent an effort over from distance.
Stanley picked up where they left off in the second half, with Dallimore making a smart stop to keep out Woods’ header.
Hunter’s effort then seemed to be heading for the bottom corner but the Bolton goalkeeper made another fine save low to his left.
Rhodes sent a sweet strike just over the bar and Hunter curled a free kick inches wide as the Reds cranked up the pressure.
But Bolton stood firm and almost doubled their lead when Ben Andreucci’s headed was somehow kept out by Crellin from close range.
Seconds before the final whistle, Rhodes bundled over the line after a goal-mouth scramble to rescue a point.
The Reds will also face Huddersfield, Rotherham and Salford in the group stage as they aim to reach the knockout rounds.
Crellin, Wilkinson, Aljofree, Rhodes, Smith, Martin (Popoola 63), B Woods, J Woods (Hanson 84), Henderson, Hunter, Knowles (Trickett 45). Unused: Rogerson, Tunstal.
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