STANLEY boss John Coleman reckons Worksop Town will be his biggest threat in the race for the UniBond Premier League title.

The sides drew 1-1 at the Crown Ground on Saturday in what was one of the most open and entertaining games of the campaign.

Dean Calcutt scored his fourth goal of the season in first-half injury time, but his strike was cancelled out by Brian Linighan six minutes later.

Coleman said: "For the neutral, it was a great game of football. It was so refreshing to see two sides going full out for the win.

"Teams have been coming here all season, looking to close the game down and hold out for a point, so it was good to see the positive attitude of Worksop.

"They made it a very open game.

"They are an excellent side, and I can see them pushing us all the way."

It was certainly entertaining for the 1,134 fans as the Reds were quick out of the blocks. Paul Mullin and Lutel James both had a couple of chances in the first half, but failed to capitalise.

Mullin though combined well with Simon Carden deep in injury time, and they set up Calcutt, who drove his shot past the keeper from a tight angle.

Last season, Stanley hammered Worksop 5-0 at the Crown Ground, but any thoughts of a repeat were banished on 51 minutes when the visitors equalised.

The home side paid the price for failing to clear from a corner, and as the ball bounced around the box, Linighan pounced, scoring from an acute angle.

Worksop decided to go for the jugular, and they pressed for the winner as the game wore on, but two superb blocks from Mark Sertori denied them the all-important goal.

Coleman said: "We've got a decent cushion at the top of the table, so they needed to win more than us. They put us under a lot of pressure but I was pleased we defended so well.

"A draw was a fair result, to be honest."

The draw means Stanley, beaten in midweek by Harrogate in the FA Cup, keep their unbeaten record in the league, and they are now eight points clear of second-placed Worksop.

Midfielder Mike Marsh, who pulled his hamstring in training on Thursday, missed the game, but Michael Knowles made an impressive debut in his place.

Marsh's injury is not considered serious, and he should be back for the next game, as should Barry Shuttleworth.

Coleman added: "I was very impressed with Knowles, and his performance only increases competition for places, which is great for a manager."

Accrington Stanley 1 Worksop Town 1