Stanley boss John Coleman praised his defenders following their “scrappy” 2-0 victory against Bristol Rovers.

Tommy Leigh and Ryan Astley were both on target during the second half as the Reds climbed out of the relegation zone.

The visitors felt there was a handball from Harvey Rodgers during the opener but their appeals were waved away by referee Tom Nield.

Despite the result, Coleman was concerned after Aaron Pressley, Seamus Conneely and Rosaire Longelo were all forced off with injuries.

“I’m delighted with the result but devastated with the injuries, they are massive blows for us,” he said.

“It was a scrappy game. I have seen a lot of Bristol Rovers this season and I have seen them play better than that, but I think our defence should get the credit for stifling them.

“There will be conjecture about the first goal, whether it’s handball, but I think if it hits the hand of the person who scores then it’s automatically disallowed.

“I think because it has come off another part of Harvey’s body before it hit him on the arm, that means it’s unintentional.

“I am not saying I agree, but they are the rules and then it makes it a decent goal. Then it’s a great finish by Ryan for the second.”

Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton said the Reds deserved credit for how they handles the conditions, but he felt the handball decision ultimately “changed the game”.

“I could see it was a handball,” said Barton. “I have got to be careful what I say or else the FA will fine me, but our fans have paid a few quid to get here and then the referee swings the contest with the most blatant handball leading to a goal which you are ever likely to see, and it leaves them short-changed.

“The referee said it wasn’t handball because it wasn’t deliberate or it wasn’t the player who scored the goal, but why wouldn’t they advise our players to handle it to each other and have a game of volleyball or basketball? The reason it’s called football is because you are not allowed to use your hands!

“Accrington won’t care as they are fighting for their lives. It’s a tough afternoon, we have to be better as well.”