JOHN Coleman was delighted to come out on top of what he described as one of Accrington Stanley's biggest tests.

The Reds battled to earn a 1-0 win over Morecambe in difficult conditions at the Interlink Express Stadium yesterday.

But Coleman, who was a popular striker in six years with the Shrimps before his departure eight years ago, said the result didn't mean more because it was against his former club.

"I've got a lot of friends there and I know the manager Jim Harvey well," he said.

"I had a great six years there - probably the best of my playing career.

"It's just important to beat good sides, and Morecambe are a very good side.

"They've been there and done it and but for the grace of God last season, if they'd have taken a couple of chances, they'd have been in the Football League.

"So to beat them is good, not just because it's Morecambe, because they're what I would class as one of the prime candidates for the play-offs."

He added: "It was a hard-fought win.

"Morecambe maybe lacked a bit of a cutting edge but they played some good approach play around us and put a lot of ball in our box which was dealt with quite well.

"As far as I'm concerned that's one of the biggest tests we've had so far."

And Coleman hailed front man Lutel James, who ended a run of eight games without a goal with his first-half strike.

"Lutel scored a terrific goal and he was a willing runner all day," the Reds' boss said.

"He's a bubbly character and when he's not scoring it might affect him, so it's nice for him to get on the scoresheet."