TERRY Gornell’s second-half strike gave Accrington Stanley their first win in nine games at Kenilworth Road this afternoon.

Stanley had not won since August but secured a crucial victory against bottom club Luton to ease fears of being drawn into a relegation battle.

Young striker Gornell, playing the final game of his initial month’s loan from Tranmere, crashed home from 10 yards in the 54th minute after Paul Mullin had headed on a free kick from brother John.

Paul Mullin had given Stanley a 16th-minute lead from close range but Asa Hall hooked in an equaliser on 34 minutes.

Paul Mullin missed a chance to add a third for the Reds in the second half when he headed over.

Luton’s Wayne Andrews then somehow turned the ball wide from in front of the goal in the closing stages and Kenny Arthur kept out Hall’s effort with his feet.

Stanley: Kenny Arthur; Phil Edwards, Colin Murdock, Kieran Charnock, Chris King; Jimmy Ryan, Rostyn Griffiths, John Mullin, John Miles; Terry Gornell, Paul Mullin. Subs: Jamie Speare, Jay Bell, Andy Procter, Kallum Higginbotham, Andy Smith.

Luton: Conrad Logan; Michael Spillane, Ian Roper, Harry Worley, Jake Howells; Rossi Jarvis (Paul McVeigh 71), Asa Hall, Keith Keane, Garreth O’Connor (Wayne Andrews 23); Chris Martin, Tom Craddock.

Subs not used: Dean Brill, Sol Davis, Jordan Patrick.

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