ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman was relieved to get his side's first win under their belt - but wasn't getting too carried away.

The Reds - many people's favourties to win the UniBond Premier Division title - lost their way last season after a disastrous start to the campaign.

But they opened up this season with a hard-fought victory over Runcorn, after getting their first home start in four seasons, in front of 602 fans.

"It was a relief to get a win as Runcorn are a good, strong side who I think will be up there," said boss John Coleman.

"But this month is not going to decide who wins the league.

"We had a good start a couple of seasons ago and won the first three but then had a bad spell.

"We learnt last season that if we do have a bad spell we have got to get back on track as quickly as possible.

"That is what we weren't doing last season but I hope we have learnt from that."

Stanley got off to the best possible start when winger Russell Payne fired home after just two minutes.

"It was well taken, he beat a couple of men and then tucked it home," said Coleman.

"He only got two goals last season so he will be happy to score in the first game."

Striker Paul Mullin, with 34 goals last term, opened his account with number two in the 44th minute.

Then it all looked like it would go horribly wrong for Stanley when defender Robbie Williams was dismissed just after the break for a second bookable offence.

"I thought he was unlucky to get booked in the first half," said Coleman. "Their lad nearly ripped the shirt off his back and there was some pushing but only Robbie got booked, their lad didn't.

"In my opinion, it should have been both or neither.

"But the second booking was deserved. Then we had to keep battling and I had to sacrifice Lutel James and move him into midfield.

"But we still have had a couple of chances and battled well with10 men."

Runcorn gave the Reds a scare, scoring through Chris Price late into the game but Stanley held on.

"I am pleased but I know we can play better once the lads get used to each other."

There were three players making their Stanley league debuts - defenders Mark Sertori and Barry Shuttleworth and midfielder Mike Marsh.

Winger Dean Calcutt, signed on Friday for £5,000 from Bradford Park Avenue, was an unused substitute.

However, he may get his chance on their trip to Colwyn Bay tomorrow night as both striker James (ankle) and Marsh (hamstring) are doubtful.

"They lost 1-0 at the weekend but we have just got to have confidence in ourselves."

ACCRINGTON STANLEY...2

RUNCORN...1