STANLEY boss John Coleman is hoping to seal a deal for former Rovers trainee Steve Flitcroft.

The 19-year-old defender, the younger brother of Ewood skipper Garry and Rochdale's Dave, impressed Coleman despite an understrength Reds side leaking six goals against a Clarets XI.

"He has done well in the couple of games he has played," said the Stanley chief, who is now preparing his side for the visit of Third Division Rochdale tonight.

"He has had a good education, he always looks available and I think he has a bright future.

"I would like to sign him."

Stanley stayed the pace in the first half against a Burnley side which included John Mullin, Lennie Johnrose and new boy Mark McGregor.

But the difference began to tell in the second half as Burnley -- whose side contained mostly young pros -- increased in confidence.

"I only had one recognised defender and we didn't have a full strength side," continued Coleman.

"But saying that I thought we did really well in the first half and I would say theirs was the busier keeper.

"Anybody watching the game in the first half would say we were more than a match.

"But the second goal -- which I felt was off-side and the referee said he was surprised there wasn't a flag -- changed it.

"But we all make mistakes although I felt we were unlucky to go in one-down at the break.

"Luck then went against us and they caught us a couple of times."

Stanley were missing striker Paul Mullin who, because of work commitments, could not line up against his brother John, Steve Hollis, Robbie Williams and new boy Paul Howarth, who was released from Shrewsbury at the end of the season.

And also out was Gary Williams, who has returned from his six week spell in America where he has been playing for New Jersey Barons to rebuild his fitness.

"I saw Gary in a couple of matches over there and he looked really sharp," said the Reds boss, who is hoping to have Williams back and raring to go next week.

"He has struggled with injuries but hopefully he is over them now."

And, with a full squad available, Coleman is still optimistic -- despite this result -- that it will all come right in the UniBond Premier League and they will be able to seal a place in the Conference next season.

"We are one of the strongest sides in the division. We are going to be up there and I am sure if you ask the other 21 teams, they won't relish coming here."

Burnley at first didn't look like they relished the short trip to the Crown Ground.

They got an early let off when Stanley's Russell Payne beat keeper Luigi Cennamo from 30 yards out but his shot rattled the crossbar.

Former Bury striker Lutel James looked sharp and he provided a tough test for Burnley's South African trialist Gareth Orratt, a tall strong defender.

But Burnley went ahead after 13 minutes when Johnrose found youngster Andy Waine and from the edge of the area he curled an effort over Jamie Speare.

And Stanley felt hard done by on 27 minutes when Anthony Shandran and a Stanley player jumped for the ball, it fell to Mullin and while the home bench screamed for offside, Mullin rounded Speare and made it two.

Cennamo looked a bit shaky on a couple of crosses but punched well and could do nothing about Stanley's goal just before the break. Payne found James on the right wing and he rifled the ball across the goal and the chance was converted by Mark Ceraolo, despite hitting Cennamo's legs.

It looked like Stanley could fight back but Burnley were gifted a goal just after the interval when Shandran raced through.

Paul Burns tackled the young striker but also got a touch on the ball and pushed it beyond Speare and into his own net.

The visitors then got on top as Mullin and Shandran controlled the game despite James always looking for opportunities for Stanley.

Sub Matt O'Neill sent Shandran through and he slotted home on 68 and two minutes later Jonathan Smith was adjudged to have fouled Shandran in the area and Johnrose converted the spot kick.

Accrington were increasingly exposed as the Stanley boss made one or two changes and Mullin made it six in the 87th minute when he by-passed Speare and rolled the ball into the net.

STATISTICS:

ACCRINGTON STANLEY 1

Ceraolo 45

BURNLEY 6

Waine 13, Mullin 27, 87; Burns og 49, Shandran 68, Johnrose 70

Attendance: 636