ACCRINGTON Stanley have received rave reviews for their FA Cup exploits.

But manager John Coleman was frustrated his side made hard work of what should have been meat and drink after superb performances against Football League opposition, when they took on Fleetwood Town in the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy last night.

So too was the paying punter, who would have expected more. Much more.

For while Coleman made a number of changes to the starting line-up, the Reds were still strong enough to dispatch of North West Counties Division One outfit Fleetwood without any hiccups.

But they got a taste of their own medicine as the seasiders raised their game to give the Reds a scare.

Their blushes, however, were spared by substitute Paul Mullin's extra time hat-trick, following his introduction in the second half of normal time to spark life into a dull affair.

Nationwide Conference manager of the month Coleman had given a number of fringe players the chance to show what they can do, with strikers Lee Madin and John Durnin being drafted into the starting line-up while Lutel James and Mullin were rested after their recent hectic schedule.

But if first-half impressions were anything to go by then none of the regular first team players should feel under pressure for Saturday's trip to Burton Albion in the FA Trophy, which Coleman is keen to win as well.

Chances at either end were limited in the first half, but Fleetwood took an unlikely lead through Kevin Barnes after Jon Kennedy advanced and the left winger chipped the ball into an empty net.

But while Stanley, understandably jaded after playing three games in just six days, showed eagerness in trying to get forward for an equaliser, there was little to suggest they would succeed before the break. And their progress was interrupted when Gordon Armstrong limped off on 35 minutes, allowing Kieran Killackey his first senior appearance.

Madin was sacrificed at half-time for the potent James, but the Reds continued to be thwarted in their quest for an equaliser until James was reunited with striker partner Mullin when he replaced Dean Calcutt just before the hour.

Ten minutes later, Coleman's men were on level terms, thanks to a Mullin assist which Prendergast pounced on to crack a shot in off the left hand post.

The winger looked to the heavens in relief but within seconds the Reds were kicking the ground in despair as they leaked a second through another unforced error.

Lee Catlow raced on to a long ball upfield, Kennedy charged off his line but always looked second best to get to the ball. Catlow rounded him and slotted the ball into an empty net.

But Stanley were soon thrown a lifeline when the referee pointed to the spot after Durnin and Prendergast had shots blocked, the second of which was handled, and James rammed home his spot-kick to get back on level terms.

Stanley spent the rest of the game camped in Town's half and sent a barrage of attempts goalwards, more so after Damien Dashti was sent off with nine minutes remaining. But they couldn't find the break they needed before the end and extra time loomed.

Fleetwood were reduced to nine men when Stuart Beech picked up his second yellow card just two minutes after the restart.

That merely helped in Mullin's quest to end the game on a brighter note with a quickfire hat-trick.

His first and second were scored in the dying moments of the first session; number one a tap-in after good work from Steve Flitcroft and James, number two a close range header from Peter Cavanagh's delivery.

Mullin wrapped things up with another close-ranger effort, making sure Prendergast's downwards header crossed the line.

STANLEY: Jon Kennedy, Peter Cavanagh, Steve Hollis, Robbie Williams, Gordon Armstrong (Kieran Killackey 35 mins), Ged Brannan, Steve Flitcroft, Lee Madin (Lutel James 46 mins), John Durnin, Rory Prendergast, Dean Calcutt (Paul Mullin 58 mins).

SUBS NOT USED: Jamie Speare, Damien Hindle.

STANLEY 5

Prendergast 68, James (pen 73), Mullin 105, 105, 115

FLEETWOOD 2

Barnes 17, Catlow 68

Interlink Express Stadium Att: 412