not satisfied

STANLEY 1

Cook 86

WOLVES 3

Lescott 12, Mulligan 18, Clarke 53

Interlink Express Att: 670

FOR the fourth time in pre-season, Accrington Stanley gave a good account of themselves against Coca Cola Championship opposition.

But the fact that manager John Coleman was not wholly satisfied with the display is testament to the club's ambitions for a season that will start in earnest in less than two weeks' time.

History was repeated as Paul Cook scored against one of his former clubs for the second time in a month - on this occasion a wonder strike which dipped delightfully over goalkeeper Matt Murray.

But that was one of only a few aspects which pleased the Reds boss.

"It was a fantastic goal and he's capable of doing that because he's tried it a couple of times," Coleman said.

"I knew Paul meant to do it straight away, and you could tell by his celebration that he meant it.

"But we dropped our guard and we got punished by a decent side.

"We couldn't really get ourselves going and I think all the lads were disappointed about that."

He added: "We're a lot better at closing down and we're a much better passing team. Our movement's a lot better than it was.

"If you set yourselves high standards, you shouldn't compromise by accepting anything less."

It's a mantra that Coleman will surely drum into his players from now until the big kick-off on August 14, and beyond.

But encouragement can be taken from the fact that Stanley competed well for 90 minutes against a side newly relegated from the Premiership, and containing experienced professionals such as goalkeeper Murray, central defender Joleon Lescott and new signing from Aston Villa full back Rob Edwards.

Stanley did, however, have a rude awakening after just 44 seconds when Leon Clarke latched onto a ball over the top and had only Danny Alcock to beat.

The former Barnsley stopper, who was later offered a contract by Coleman, charged towards him and twice denied the striker with blocks.

After Stanley newcomers Ian Craney and Lee McEvilly had gone close, Lescott opened Wolves' account with a thumping header, rising well to meet Sammy Clingan's corner in front of a smattering of travelling supporters.

Gary Mulligan buried the ball past Alcock six minutes later after outpacing the defence.

Ged Brannan went close to pulling a goal back for the Reds with a firm header midway through the half before tempers began to flare, resulting in the referee requesting that McEvilly be substituted to calm down.

The referee ignored loud handball appeals when Craney's drive struck Michael Townsend inside the area, and Wolves went on to extend their lead on 53 minutes when Clarke lobbed an advancing Alcock.

Stanley trialist Baboucarr Njie injected extra pace up front while fellow substitute Cook added control and guile following their introductions on the hour.

Nippy wide man Paul Carvill came on for the injured Andy Procter soon afterwards and the Reds stepped up a gear.

In one of the best moves of the game, Carvill laid the ball back to Cook to feed the returning McEvilly. The former Rochdale striker used his strength to hold off his marker before turning and forcing a save from Murray low to his left.

But Murray was helpless to keep out Cook's sublime dipping shot.

The player-coach took just one look after receiving the ball on the left and bent it perfectly beyond the Wolves stopper into the far corner. His muted celebration was as cool as the finish.

A STANLEY side consisting of a number of trialists travel to take on Prescot Cables tonight, kick-off 7.30pm.

PAUL

COOK

STANLEY: Danny Alcock; Paul Howarth, Steve Halford, Robbie Williams, Stuart Howson; Steve Jagielka, Ged Brannan, Ian Craney, Lee McEvilly; Lutel James, Paul Mullin. Subs: Andy Procter, Paul Carvill, Paul Cook, Nejbet Hussein.

WOLVES: Matt Murray; Rob Edwards, Michael Townsend, Joleon Lescott, Conor Rafferty; Chris Cornes, Kevin O'Connor, Sammy Clingan, Daniel Jones; Gary Mulligan, Leon Clarke. Subs: Patrick Flynn, Keith Lowe, Gareth Musson

SPARE QUOTES

"It's not as bad as what we first feared. I think he's damaged his medial ligament.

"I would imagine it would be a couple of weeks.

"I've made Danny an offer today and he's going to go away and have a chat with his dad.

"I hope to have another one in tomorrow

Stanley wolves 2/8