Runaway leaders are made to sweat

After coasting into a 2-0 first half lead, the UniBond Premier League leaders were under the cosh for most of the second half and it was edge of the seat stuff.

"It was another hair-raising finish," admitted boss John Coleman, who shows his anxiety more than most and had to watch as his side hung on against Barrow in midweek.

The 1,195 spectators - mostly from East Lancashire - were tested as well as they watched the Manchester side force all the late pressure with only some desperate defending keeping Stanley's 100 per cent record in tact.

Nevertheless, it was the Reds sixth 2-1 victory of the season - five at home - although Coleman knows they must get a third goal if his players are to keep his blood pressure down.

"We just don't seem to get that third goal which would make it a bit more comfortable," said Coleman. "We made it difficult for ourselves, played well in the first half, made a few chances but didn't take them.

"To their credit, they came back in the second half and played right to the end.

"They are an entertaining side, they play some exciting stuff and it is refreshing to see a team who goes all out to score goals and did not seem to bother about defending.

"But we had one or two lads carrying knocks and we showed resolution which can only help.

"We defended as a team. But we need that third goal and the longer the game goes on the more nervous we get and it shows.

"One day we will get it and give a side a battering, knock five or six past them, but 2-1 seems to be the favourite score at the moment."

Lutel James was at his mesmerising best for the Reds running at defenders, playing in some cracking balls and generally causing all kinds of problems with his pace.

It was his trickery which opened the Reds account when, on 17 minutes, he made space and time on the right wing and played in a brilliant ball, which Simon Carden tucked home from six yards.

"We call Simon 'the hitman' now," smiled Coleman. "He does well, he has a great enthusiasm for the game and he is all over the park.

"Earlier this season he felt he was lacking the edge in his game but he has come back with two goals."

James then seemed to be hacked down in the area on 24 minutes but nothing was given but one minute later a low Carden corner caused chaos.

Russell Payne left it, Robbie Williams banged it forward and the referee then gave what seemed a harsh spot kick for handball.

James had missed his last two penalties but he took this one, sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 2-0.

Defender Steve Halford produced a last ditch tackle to deny the nippy Jimmy Haarhoff and keeper Jamie Speare took the ball from the feet of the same player as he lined up to shoot.

Then, in injury time, James' swirling shot was tipped over the crossbar by the keeper.

However, the second half belonged to Droylsden, who had only lost once this season prior to their trip to the Crown Ground.

Wael Nazha, a strong forward, tested Speare with an early blast while Garry Burke's flick header skimmed the crossbar and Nazha's downward header was scrambled to safety.

Steve Porter's free kick scraped the woodwork as Stanley soaked up the pressure.

They did have chances of their own, a number falling to big defender Jonathan Smith who once more had the scouts from Oldham keeping tabs on him.

And Paul Mullin, who worked tirelessly, raced onto a Smith header but his effort was deflected wide.

Then, with 10 minutes on the clock, Droylsden's pressure paid off when a free kick into the danger area caused chaos and sub Gavin Salmon got the final touch to give the Manchester side a goal their possession deserved.

They continued to be a handful and it was even more agonising for the Stanley faithful as five minutes of injury time were played with Droysden forcing a succession of late corners.

However, the Reds held on and now have a week off before Wakefield and Emley are the visitors to the Crown Ground next Saturday.

ACCRINGTON STANLEY...2 DROYLSDEN...1