THE weather was more conducive to sitting back, preferably in a deck chair, but in their first pre-season outing Accrington were intent on going forward.

An own goal and strikes from Lutel James and Andy Gouck gave the Conference outfit the edge over UniBond Premier Division side Borough and the Reds' positive attitude was good to see.

It was certainly appreciated by boss John Coleman, who also gave himself a brief run-out as a substitute for the final five minutes.

"There were some parts of our play that were very pleasing," said Coleman.

"There were a few silly mistakes, but we had a chat after the game and the lads know that they can get away with that for a couple of games but then those errors have got to be ironed out.

"But, while it was very warm for football, I felt that both sides put in a lot of hard work and made it a good game to watch.

"It was just great to get out there and play again, and now it is all about stepping things up over the next few matches."

Any key to Stanley's starting line-up for when they enter the Conference with an away trip to Aldershot next month will no doubt unfold further down the line.

The starting 11 in the first half was all but replaced by a different side in the second half, a line-up which included ex-Claret Gordon Armstrong in a left back role.

His former Turf Moor team-mate midfielder Paul Cook was forced to sit it out on the sidelines in the Stainton Park sunshine due to injury, but he will have been impressed by the way Stanley sought to get forward.

Early pressure brought them the opening goal with Boro defender James Price putting through his own goal.

The Reds extended their lead when prolific striker Lutel James, a former employee of Radcliffe's Football League neighbours Bury, added to the tally.

However, the home side were not short of causing Stanley a few problems themselves and pulled a goal back when Boro's former Rossendale United player Jody Brennan scored from a penalty.

It took just four minutes of the second half for Stanley to reassert themselves with Andy Gouck supplying a firm finish from close range after the Radcliffe defence had been opened up by some slick passing.

Within 15 minutes Boro had hit back when ex-Stand hitman Chris Denham showed he still has the knack of finding the net.

Stanley, who survived a couple of late scares, can now concentrate on League opponents as Blackpool are the visitors tomorrow night (7.45 kick-off).

RADCLIFFE BOROUGH...2 ACCRINGTON STANLEY...3