ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman believes his side proved they could compete with League Two’s best after they collected a 2-2 draw at Wycombe on Tuesday night, a result that prevented the hosts going top of the table.

Terry Gornell and Piero Mingoia were on target for Stanley at Adams Park to earn a deserved point.

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Wanderers took the lead through Sam Wood before Coleman’s men turned it around with goals either side of half time only for Alfie Mawson to level with 20 minutes remaining.

And the Stanley chief was pleased with the result.

He said: “We then defended stoutly and put heads and bodies on the line and I don’t think anyone can begrudge us a point.

“I know they had the lion’s share of the possession and pinned us back but we defended well and showed great spirit and desire.

“What we have here is an honest bunch of lads with no airs and graces who are very good footballers. Wycombe are a good side and for long periods they had us on the back foot.

“We didn’t set out for it to be like that but the most pleasing aspect was that we dealt with a lot of free kicks and balls into the box and stood firm.”

Coleman did admit that he was disappointed that, having taken the lead through Mingoia’s wonder goal on the hour, Stanley could not see out the final third of the contest.

“We scored two smashing goals and the only disappointing thing is, once we scored the second, we retreated into our shells and invited the pressure,” he added.

But the Reds manager did reserve praise for his goalscorers with Mingoia’s his sixth of the season.

“Terry deserved his goal as he has been working tirelessly while Piero’s is a superb strike,” said Coleman.

Despite the positive result Stanley, who host York on Saturday, dropped to 17th in the table, eight points clear of the relegation zone.