Sean McConville hit a hat-trick as Stanley defeated non-league Nelson 4-1.

The Reds were frustrated by their obstinate hosts at Victoria Park but came through to win.

The early exchanges saw the Reds in the ascendancy, with Billy Kee firing wide in as John Coleman’s men looked for a swift breakthrough.

Soon the Nelson keeper Ben Woodhead was called into serious action, holding a header from Tom Davies before Shay McCartan fed McConville but his shot was pushed out.

The Reds subsequently broke the deadlock though, with McConville advancing on goal and finding the net with a strong shot beyond the keeper.

But the hosts were soon level as centre forward Wright turned well and found the right corner of the net to make it 1-1.

After the break Stanley looked to restore their lead and had an early opportunity when Terry Gornell went down in the box and the referee awarded a penalty.

McCartan stepped up but Woodhead dived to his left and turned the spot kick behind for a corner.

Next Matt Crooks tried his luck but the midfielder’s close range header from McConville’s corner was just over the bar and minutes later the same combination saw Crooks nod wide.

But McConville now came into his own, restoring the lead in some style with nine minutes left. A defensive header  dropped to the wideman on the right and, with Woodhead off his line, he chipped with the keeper unable to keep it out of the net.

It took just moments for the summer signing to complete the set as he guided an Adam Buxton free kick at the far post to make it 3-1.

And in the final minute Crooks added the icing to the cake, powering home a header to make it four and prompt wild celebrations…