Stanley boss John Coleman was pleased his side finally found the goals to overcome non-league Nelson in their pre-season friendly.

The Reds were in front thanks to Sean McConville but were pegged back to 1-1 by a resilient home side before three late strikes saw Coleman’s men prevail.

“Knocking on the door paid off because eventually we kicked the door in,” said Coleman at full time. “We’d like to take more of the chances that we create and that’s something that we have to work on but it’s better for that to happen in pre-season than competitive games.

“We played well tonigh, probably better than at Darwen and that’s no disrespect to the team that played there. There was a better tempo about this game and we created better chances and eventually the goals went in.”

Sean McConville was the hero of the hour at Victoria Park, smashing in a hat-trick for his first goals for the club since returning this summer.

The performance came as no surprise to his manager:

“Sean could’ve had five or six,” Coleman explained. “You know what you are getting from him; he’s got an eye for goal, he’s clever, he’s cute and he always get chances and is a good finisher.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Matt Crooks found the net for the first time in Stanley colours and caught the eye in the middle of the park.

“I can say I was there when he actually hit the target!” laughed Coley. “Joking aside he played great tonight. Apart from giving the ball away for their goal he was exceptional.”

The vast majority of the first team squad played at either Darwen or Nelson and though Coleman is keen to strengthen before the first game of the League Two campaign he’s pleased with what he’s assembled so far.

“I’ve said to the lads that as much as I’m looking forward to the season I’m not looking forward to having to pick the first side because I’ve got so many options.”