Accrington Stanley Boss Frustrated Following Comeback

John Doolan felt that his Accrington Stanley side had “to see the game out” as they fell to yet another defeat this season. 

They took an early lead through Burnley loanee Dara Costelloe away at Cheltenham Town, but two second-half goals by Michael Flynn’s side turned the game on it’s head and sealed Stanley’s fifth loss in League Two this season.

Alongside the other side occupying the relegation zone, Morecambe, Doolan’s men are yet to win a single game in League Two and have only picked up two points in their last five games. They do have a game in hand on their fellow Lancashire side, and should they win that would leapfrog Carlisle United to escape the bottom two as it stands.

Speaking to club media at Whaddon Road following the result, Doolan was unhappy with how the game played out. He said: “To be honest I thought only one team was going to win the game. We should have taken our chances, especially in the second half.

“Dara scored a good goal in the first half. Their keeper made a world-class save from Kelsey (Mooney) from a good move from us, and made a world-class save at the end there from the corner. 

“The least we deserve is a draw but we’ve got to win that game. We have to see it out. We have to win it. We have to take our chances and we didn’t. I’m really disappointed. I didn’t see that coming to be honest.”

Stanley have had a tough 2024, seeing the departure of long-serving boss John Coleman after he was sacked, promoting the former Rotherham United coach to the hot seat at the Wham Stadium. The results on the pitch have been difficult too, with their last win coming against Tranmere Rovers at the end of April.

They face Morecambe in what is already a huge game for both sides. Derek Adams’ men were unlucky not to claim a scalp against Bradford City last night, with Barnsley loanee Jack Shepherd saving The Bantams’ blushes.

Discussing the form his side have had over the season, Doolan added: “We have to stick together. It’s a long old season, it was always going to be tough. We know that.

“The lads will stick together and have shown more and everyone else in the stadium will probably begrudge us of a draw there. I would be disappointed of a draw to be honest. We should have won the game and seen it through.

“As I said it’s gonna be a big week for us this week. We got something tonight and go onto Saturday. It makes it even more juicy so let’s see what happens.”

Writer’s View

Accrington Stanley are still in search of a win and that was probably their best chance to claim three points. Cheltenham are in a tricky position off the pitch and there was a real chance to get them whilst they were down. Ultimately Stanley have failed to do that and will now have to go onto their now-grudge match against Morecambe which has become such a crucial game just 10 matches into the campaign.

A big concern was a knock which forced Jake Batty off the pitch just prior to The Robins levelling the match. From what John Doolan said he should be fine for this weekend but losing the Blackburn Rovers loanee would be a blow as he has been one of the better players in the side. Stanley’s defence have not kept a clean sheet in 15 games and perhaps a shakeup of the defensive personnel in the coming weeks could finally bring that run to an end.

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1 thought on “Accrington Stanley Boss Frustrated Following Comeback”

  1. Accy fan here ,you could see this coming before a ball was kicked this season.We have sold some great players over the last few seasons .They were not replaced .Dont let this fantastic football club be relegated .When the circus comes to town get rid of our clowns .New manangement team please and soon .

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