John Coleman was left ruing the chances which slipped away as Stanley drew with Northampton.

 

The Reds created a host of gilt-edged opportunities in the first half but a lob from Marc Richards gave Northampton the lead against the run of play in the 39th minute.

However Stanley battled back through a Josh Windass penalty on 55 minutes but, instead of pressing on, Stanley were pegged back and it needed the heroics of keeper Jason Mooney to make sure the Reds secured a point.

It was frustrating for  Coleman as Stanley were the better side in the first half.

Matt Crooks had a free header which didn’t hit the target from Sean McConville’s cross while Piero Mingoia tested Cobblers keeper Adam Smith.

Adam Buxton hit the crossbar with a 20 yard free kick while Seamus Conneelly also headed wide in a good position.

However they were made to pay when Richards, who has a habit of scoring against the Reds, got the ball to the right of the area and chipped it over keeper Mooney six minutes before the break.

It was a shock for the Reds but they came out battling after the re-start and got their rewards when Windass was fouled in the area by David Buchanan as he went on a mazy run. The striker sent Smith the wrong way from the spot to level on 55 minutes – his second goal of the campaign.

Stanley did come close to a second through Sean McConville whose effort was narrowly off target but then the visitors took control.

Mooney denied Richards who was clean through and he also kept out Ryan Cresswell as the ball bobbled around the area. The Stanley stopper also superbly denied Nicky Adams and sub Sam Hoskins as the Reds, by the end, were relieved to hold on for a point.

Accrington Stanley: Mooney, Pearson, Winnard, Davies, Buxton,(Wakefield 78) Crooks, Conneely (Barry 79), Mingoia, McConville, Windass (Kee 70), Gornell (C)

Subs: Etheridge, Barry, Morgan, Wakefield, Wright, Bruna, Kee

Northampton Town: Smith, Taylor (Watson 80), Cresswell, Da’th (Hackett 77), Byrom, Richards (C), Adams, Potter (Hoskins 60, Mcdonald, Buchanan, Yates

Subs: Lelan, Hoskins, Corry, Watson, Calvert-Lewin, Hackett, Clarke