JOHN Coleman was delighted with his side's hard-working performance against second division Blackpool.

And he had every reason to be, particularly in the first half, as the Reds whetted the appetite for their step up to the Nationwide Conference.

Keeper Jamie Speare, one of only a handful of players who wasn't substituted - as is the norm with pre-season friendlies, was never put under sustained pressure, while Rory Prendergast caused endless problems with his left-wing bursts and probing crosses.

Strikers Lutel James and Paul Mullin were also able to weave their way through Blackpool's solid and experienced back line, which included former Burnley captain Steve Davis, resulting in Stanley taking an early lead against Steve McMahon's men.

Reds' boss Coleman said: "I'm really pleased because it was a good work-out for the lads and we played a lot of good foootball, especially in the second half.

"We were a little bit disjointed in the second half but that's understandable because the lads who were coming on needed time to get used to the pattern of play and the pace of the game.

"But all credit to them because they came strong again for the last five to eight minutes and created a couple of chances."

He added: "We matched Blackpool for a lot of fitness and some of the young lads who came on worked hard. We were never over-exposed.

"It was disappointing to lose because we go out to try to win every game we play, but I was happy with the performance."

Stanley took the lead on six minutes after Prendergast cut in from the left and had his hard drive parried by goalkeeper Phil Barnes, but Mullin was alert enough to stoop and nod the ball into an empty net as Barnes recovered.

Prendergast almost doubled the lead five minutes later as he dribbled into the 18-yard box but again saw his effort blocked by the keeper.

Blackpool got back on level terms on 24 minutes after Danny Coid made a jinking run through the heart of the midfield before unleashing an unstoppable 20-yard shot past Speare.

A heated incident passed without controversy after Coleman took exception to a refereeing decision and stormed onto the pitch. Steve Halford was duly substituted for Robbie Williams following his over-enthusiastic challenge.

Blackpool introduced almost a new team after the break, while Stanley drip-fed changes throughout the second half. And it was Seasiders' winger Martin Bullock who proved to be the difference between the two sides, instigating the win after being brought down in the penalty area by Michael Knowles.

Richard Walker sent Speare the wrong way from the spot.

STANLEY...1 BLACKPOOL...2