John Coleman said Stanley's 2-1 win against Walsall was a “present for the fans” as they moved within a point of the play-off places.

The Reds took the lead after nine minutes when Jackson Smith could only parry Joe Pritchard’s shot into the path of Tommy Leigh and he slotted home his sixth goal of the season.

Walsall equalised on the stroke of half time when Joe Gubbins was adjudged to have fouled captain Donervon Daniels in the area and Freddie Draper drilled home the penalty.

Stanley scored the winner in the 57th minute when Pritchard's cross from the left evaded everyone and nestled into the far corner.

Coleman said: “It’s great to get the win on board, that’s a present for the fans.

“You could see how hard everyone worked and we were very unlucky to be going in level at the break as it wasn’t a penalty.

“But the lads were determined not to let anything hamper us from getting the win. That’s what we talked about before the game and we believed we could and thankfully we have.

“They are a great set of lads to work with. They have mine and the club’s culture and ethos. We play for each other, everyone puts the team first, they gave every last drop, they gave their all and fought for every ball. I’m proud of them.”

Coleman praised captain Pritchard – who scored and provided an assist – following his battle with injury problems.

“Joe is a very good captain," the manager added. "He organises the team well, he has a lot of confidence and he can deliver."