Defender Matt Pearson says Stanley need to be more consistent after Saturday’s frustrating draw with Northampton.

The Reds dominated the early stages but couldn’t convert one of their many chances and Marc Richards gave the Cobblers an undeserved 39^th minute lead after clipping the ball over keeper Jason Mooney.

Stanley equalised 10 minutes after the re-start through a Josh Windass penalty but then it was Northampton who created the better chances and could have won the game.

“We had a number of chances early on – Terry (Gornell) came close, Matt Crooks had a header and Adam (Buxton) hit the post,” said 22-year-old Pearson. “On another day we could have gone in 3-0 up but instead we went in 1-0 down at half-time.

“It was a great finish by their lad but we should have done better to stop him. He did well to lob Jason and it was just unlucky.

“Obviously the gaffer wasn’t happy at half-time as he hates losing. To have all those chances and come in losing is not good.

“Then we got back in it with a penalty but we didn’t come out of the blocks in the last 15 minutes and could have lost the game. Jason is a great keeper and he kept us in it at the end.

“We need to manage the game better, we need to be more consistent and we need to get more wins, especially at home. We need to keep clean sheets as well.”

Pearson has been a big part of the backline this season after signing from non-league Halifax in the summer, reuniting with John Coleman who he spent time at Rochdale with.

“It’s a step back up for me from last season and personally it’s great to be playing regular league football.  The players with more experience, like Dean Winnard and Proc (Andy Procter), have been a  big help and I am sure it will all come together.”