GRAYS 1 STANLEY 2

ACCRINGTON Stanley ended Grays bid for the Conference record of 16 games unbeaten with their first defeat of the season live on Sky.

The game had drama, entertainment and nail-biting excitement to keep the watching 2000 at the ground and the viewers at home on the edge of their seats.

Stanley boss John Coleman was sent to the stands for "irresponsble behaviour" on 15 minutes after he stepped out of his technical area to argue with a decision.

But it didnt stop his side taking the lead on 37 minutes when Man of the Match Gary Roberts' set up Paul Mullin and he finished at the far post.

There were several penalty appeals and chances before Aaron Mclean's perfect cross found Michael Kightly unmarked and he finished easily on 52 minutes.

Grays got their tails up but Coleman instructed teenage striker Andy Mangan to enter the fray on 61 minutes. And, within two minutes, he had set up Steve Jagielka to volley home what turned out to be the winner.

Elation turned to disappointment for Mangan when he was booked for a late challenge on 67 minutes and then sent off  for kicking the ball away in the same incident.

But despite a late onslaught, and Stanley clearing an injury-time effort off the line, the Reds held on to boost their title credentials.

"We have made up ground on them but it is still only three points," said Coleman. "We did well and Gary Roberts worked hard from start to finish. They are a good side and will bounce back but we have got to make sure we carry on now and go on a bit of run."

Roberts said: "I am made up. It was a great win for the team and now we have got to be aiming to be top of the table."

Grays still have a one point cushion over Accrington.