Manager James Beattie was delighted to secure Stanley’s Football League status with a game to spare after their 2-1 win at Oxford United.

Goals from Kayode Odejayi and James Gray’s first since December secured the club’s first ever win over their Oxfordshire opponents.

And Beattie was understandably proud of his team’s effort today and throughout the 2013-2014 campaign.

He said: “It’s a tremendous achievement for everyone  and it’s all about the players and it has been since day one and they have done a great job.

“The recovery is now 100% complete and as I have said all season we believed in ourselves right from the word go even though the start that we had was horrific.

“The moment I walked through door, we embarked on a journey and I said to the boys they were the reason I’ve taken the job.

“And now I just thank the lads from the bottom of my heart and to have ensured our Football league status for next season is brilliant.”

More reaction to follow