JAMES Beattie believes that Accrington Stanley’s performance against neighbours Blackburn and Burnley augur well for their League Two campaign.

Three days after drawing 2-2 with Rovers the Reds were narrowly beaten by Burnley in another home game but the manager took the positives from the experience.

“It’s been a great week for the club having Blackburn Rovers and Burnley down here,” said Beattie.

“I want to thank both managers for bringing strong sides to play against us.

“Against Burnley, it was hot and a bit of game management had to come in. We had to hold onto the ball better as we were working so hard to win the ball back and then giving it away cheaply.

“Sean brought two decent sides down and I think we showed them too much respect initially and I told the lads they have got nothing to fear.

“We shouldn’t fear anyone as when we do things well and do things simply we are a very good team.

“We are not the finished article by any stretch of the imagination and there is a lot to work on but we have the core of a very good side.

“There are some great lads in there and it’s all about them this season. We’ve no injuries so I have a smile on my face.”

The Reds kick off the season a week before their opponents, against Southend United, and still have a number of players training with them including their former striker Brett Ormerod.

They’ve been joined by Sholing FC striker Lee Wort who helped his Wessex League Premier Division side to the FA Vase last season, scoring over 50 goals in the process.

“I’ve monitored his progress for a couple of seasons and my friends in Southampton swear by him,” explained Beattie.

“I believe everyone deserves their opportunity and this is Lee’s.

“I’ve explained to him what I’ll be looking for from him and it’s a great opportunity for him.

“He knows where the net is, he works hard for the team which is paramount to the way we want to play and we just need to get the ball into him and give him the opportunity to convert the chances.

“We’ve got two games in the next week, one on Tuesday night at Altrincham and one on Wednesday behind closed doors at Birmingham.

“That’ll be a good opportunity for me to get a good luck at the lads who are training with us and they can show me what they are about.”