STANLEY boss John Coleman was delighted with the efforts of his younger players as the Reds reached the knockout stages of the Papa John’s Trophy following a 5-0 win over Leicester City Under-21s.

Coleman's men went in front after 24 minutes when Tommy Leigh headed home at the far post from Jack Nolan’s cross.

Michael Nottingham doubled the lead eight minutes later with a clinical header from Nolan’s corner, before Nolan added a third after the break.

John O’Sullivan also got on the scoresheet as he continues his comeback from injury, while Jovan Malcolm added a fifth just after the hour mark – the forward’s first goal for the club since joining on loan from West Brom.

While Coleman is pleased with the result, he doesn’t want his side to let their standards slip now that progression to the knockout rounds has been secured.

“It was good to see the youngsters get on,” he told the club's YouTube channel. “I thought Liam Coyle did really well.

“Tom Scully and Tom Leigh (also did well). Some great crosses by Jack Nolan, some good goals scored as well. So you’ve got to be happy and we want to progress in this cup.

“We want to try and top the group now, that’s the next objective now. The lads are keen to do well.

“We’ve no game on Saturday so it’s a chance to recharge the batteries and prepare for Cheltenham.”

Coleman’s men were due to face Fleetwood Town at the weekend but the match was postponed due to international call-ups.

The Reds will be hoping to make it back-to-back wins in League One when they head to the Jonny-Rocks Stadium to take on Cheltenham Town on Saturday, October 16 (KO 3pm).