Sean McConville admitted he was surprised and honoured when he heard he had chalked up 100 appearances in his two spells with the Reds.

The 26-year-old left Stanley in 2011 after the play-off heartbreak but returned in the summer and has now notched up his century when he played in the 4-2 win over Exeter last Saturday

“To be honest, I didn’t know,” said the winger. “I got told before the Exeter game and it was nice as my missis and my baby came on Saturday.

“To have 100 appearances for Accrington is an achievement and one I am proud of.”

Looking back, McConville says there are plenty of good memories.

“I remember making my league debut at Bournemouth which, when you look at where they are now, is a nice place to make your debut. I came on as a sub for John Mullin.

“Then I scored my first Football League hat-trick against Macclesfield which was obviously a special  moment.

“Then there was the play-off season where we tore teams apart at times.”

There have also been disappointments including being sent off against Stevenage in the 2011 play-off semi-final and then the recent last minute penalty miss in the JPT against Bury which would have taken the game into extra-time.

“I still think the sending off was soft, it was frustration and it was handbags,” said McConville.

“The Bury penalty miss, that was devastating. I would never have taken the penalty but the gaffer said before the game ‘if you make it, take it’ so I did and I wish I hadn’t. I never apologised to the fans for that and I would like to do that now.”

McConville  is only looking forward now and believes John Coleman has assembled a strong squad as they look to carry on their recent good form at Crawley tomorrow. The Reds have only lost one of their eight league games so far.

“I would like to have scored more goals than the one I have scored this season but hopefully they will come in the next few games,” added McConville.

“We have a good strong squad here and we are aiming high. You have to believe you can  gain promotion or even win the league and it might raise a few eyebrows but that’s what the gaffer instils into the squad and the lads believe it.”