STEVE Halford's goal tally since his move to Stanley from Chester has surprised no one more than himself.

The defender is amazed that, since he came to the Crown Ground in February, he has found the back of the net three times - three more goals than he has scored in his entire football career!

"They have all been headers - I don't think I can score with my feet," laughed Halford. "When I got my first goal for Accrington I got some real stick off my mates - and I didn't know how to celebrate. But don't expect any more. They will dry up now, that's it!"

Former Bury man Halford has been a big hit since he came to Stanley and has slotted into the centre of defence as though he has played there all season.

The 21-year-old - 'only a youngster' he says - is enjoying his football - something he couldn't have imagined a couple of months ago as it all went sour at Conference side Chester.

"Steve Mungall had signed me, I was playing regularly and then Mark Wright came in.

"I had just been called up to the England semi-professional squad, there was a few league clubs looking at me and I was really happy. But he wanted his own players.

"I wanted to be released from my contract but Mark Wright initially wouldn't let me and I spent two weeks running round the pitch from 9am-5pm on my own. I wasn't even allowed to train with the youngsters!

"Eventually the chairman Steve Vaughan released me and that is when I came to Accrington."

Luckily, everything has turned out well at the Crown Ground for the Bury lad who still keeps his home town club close to his heart.

Halford spent five years as a pro at Gigg Lane, first under now Burnley boss Stan Ternent, then Neil Warnock followed by current boss Andy Preece.

"One of my best memories is playing for the town team in the final of the English Schools Trophy against Walsall. We won it and I was captain, it was a proud moment.

"The Bury youth team also had a good run in the national youth cup, getting to the semi-finals before we lost to Scunthorpe. They were good times."

He did break into the first team, making six first team appearances and 20 as sub under Preece. "I got ten minutes at Reading on my debut and then made my full debut against Notts County. It is a day you never forget.

"And then there was a charity game against Manchester United in the summer where I played against the likes of Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole. We lost 3-0 and they caused me just a few problems!"

But his Bury days came to a head as his contract came up for renewal last summer.

"They were keen for it to be renewed but there was a disagreement over the terms. I then got a bout of glandular fever and was out for a few months.

"The chairman said they couldn't still pay my wages if I didn't agree the terms and so that was it, I moved on to pastures new. I don't really have any regrets and I am still a big fan.

"It was hard to leave as my family and friends are all Bury fans but I still go to watch them when I can."

So it was on to Chester, which started so well but ended so badly before he moved on to Stanley.

"I spoke to Lutel (James) and John (Coleman) got in touch and told me to come down and I have enjoyed it ever since."

Especially if he could line up alongside Everton star David Ginola, who Stanley made a cheeky loan bid for last week.

"My girlfriend and mum said they would certainly come and watch then!" he exclaimed.

But one thing he doesn't enjoy is work. Since leaving full-time football, he has had to get a job.

"It has been a shocker. I have only known football all my life and I now work in a timber yard from 7.30am-5pm - this is reality.

"So I want to get back into full-time football as soon as possible!"

And he thinks he can do this by helping the Reds into the Conference next season.

"We are perhaps just one or two players short and we need to work on certain things but we have good lads here and the fan base is there."

With ten games left, the Reds kick off the final run in tomorrow when they make the trip to Barrow looking to extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Coleman was disappointed with their 1-1 draw with Gainsborough midweek - and felt Halford was one of the few who came out with credit.

"Hopefully it was just a bad day at the office," said the boss.

"The defence played too deep and we struggled in midfield. I think Steve was the pick of the bunch.

"He has a great attitude and he has a will to win. He has been a great signing."

Out tomorrow is Russell Payne, who is on holiday, while Paul Mullin will have a late fitness check on a neck injury.

But it is a game too early for goalkeeper Jamie Speare (groin) who is looking towards Easter Monday's home clash with struggling Bamber Bridge. Instead youngster Danny Thorpe will continue to deputise.

It is transfer deadline day on Sunday and, after the bid for Ginola last week, Coleman hasn't ruled anything out.

"Perhaps we will give Alan Shearer a try," he joked. "But watch this space."