Roberts blasts Stanley top

ACCRINGTON STANLEY 1 ALTRINCHAM 0

A GARY Roberts wonder goal sent Accrington Stanley to the top of the table - and boss John Coleman wishes the season would stop now.

"It is nice to be top but I wish we could fast forward to May," said the Stanley manager.

The Reds chalked up their fifth straight win with victory over struggling Altrincham but the visitors made it hard for Stanley.

In the end the only thing that separated the two sides was a piece of quality from winger Roberts as his 20 yard free kick curled into the bottom corner of the net on 63 minutes to seal Stanley the precious three points.

The Reds should have had more with more chances for Roberts - including one 30 yard chip where he hit the crossbar - and Ian Craney, Rommy Boco and Paul Mullin all came close.

And Alty almost snatched a late equaliser when Keiron Lugdsen broke but fired across the face of goal and inches wide much to the relief of the Stanley boss.

“It was a hard fought game and I don’t think we were at the races in the first half,” said the Reds boss. “We were a little bit flat footed and the lads were told in no uncertain terms at half-time that that wasn’t good enough.

“Give the lads their due, they responded in second half, played some great football and fully deserved to win.

“Gary scored a great goal, he was a little bit quiet in the first half but he springs to life and creates chances. He is always going to be a threat.”

To complete Altrincham's misery, they had defender Pete Band sent off  in injury time for arguing about a hand ball decision. Stanley could drop back down to second if Grays beat Altrincham on Tuesday night.