ACCRINGTON STANLEY 4 STEVENAGE 1

ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman had demanded that his side make him proud ahead of their do or die Conference clash against play-off rivals Stevenage.

And they responded with a four star show which reignited their promotion challenge.

"I didn't feel nervous before the game," admitted the manager. "I had before Forest Green and York. I had said to the lads whatever happens let me walk out after the game with my head held high and make me proud. And they did.

"And I think 4-1 flattered them. Paul Mullin could have have got into double figures on his own and David Brown had a great game."

The Reds have now moved up into sixth place, level on points with Boro with three league games of the season remaining.

More was expected of Stevenage who had beaten the Reds 5-0 earlier in the season. They threatened early with Jon Kennedy, making his first league start since October after beaking his leg, keeping out Dino Maamria's effort with his legs on five minutes.

Lee McEvilly forced Boro's goalie Alan Julian into a point blank save before they made the breakthrough. A cross-cum-shot by left winger Gary Roberts hit the post and bounced out to Steve Jagielka. He forced the keeper out and then passed to Paul Mullin who had an easy tap in for his 19th league goal of the campaign.

And three minutes later, Stanley were suddenly looking comfortable when another Roberts ball in was this time fired home by McEvilly for his 13th league goal.

Boro huffed and puffed without really testing Kennedy and then Stanley got their third with David Brown heading home his first goal for the Reds on 38 minutes.

Boro then hit the post but, after the break it was more of the same from the Reds with McEvilly and Mullin missing close range chances. They finally got the fourth when Brown's ball in was slid home by Steve Jagielka four minutes from time but Barry Laker went straight up the other end and grabbed a consolation for the London side.

But there was still time for Mullin to get to the magical 20 goal mark but he had one effort hooked off the line and the other saved by the keeper.

"It was an important win but next week's game at Woking is now crucial," said Coleman. "It is just one small step and we need to make some big leaps."

First the Reds have to travel to Burscough as they try and get a lead against the UniBond Premier Division promotion chasers  in the Lancashire FA Marsden Cup final first leg on Wednesday night.

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