Paul Simpson brought in Kevin Henderson and Craig Farrell to start with Karl Hawley up front. United were still without Kevin Gray, Tom Cowan and the suspended Peter Murphy. Farrell's volley inside the first minute was only slightly over the cross-bar with Stanley keeper Danny Alcock back pedalling. A Rory Prendergast cross was well claimed by Matty Glennon in the 6th minute. Prendergast let fly with a free kick two minutes later after a trip on Lee McEvilly but the ball was over the top of the bar. Farrell broke away to set up Henderson inside the six-yard box on 16 minutes but the former Hartlepool striker couldn't get the ball on target as he drove over the top. An enterprising run by winger Brendan McGill which began over 40 yards out ended with a left foot shot tipped over by Alcock. From the corner, Henderson had a half-chance from the edge of the box but put it well over. Henderson had another effort a minute later which Alcock had to juggle before grabbing on to the rebound. From Lumsdon's corner Henderson headed down and over the bar from an unmarked position. Henderson's challenge on Mike Flynn produced the game's first caution. Prendergast made a break on 38 minutes and set up McEvilly and only a great block by Andrews prevented a goal. Stanley were not to be denied when 2 minutes later neat build up set up Prendergast who cut inside Arnison and shot past Glennon into the far corner. Lumsdon created a chance for Farrell who brought a save out of Alcock with a minute of the first half remaining. Prendergast's cross was claimed well by Glennon as play swung from end to end. Andy Preece entered the fray at half-time as a replacement for Henderson. His impact was immediate as he turned and shot across Alcock to slam in the equaliser after a cross in from Karl Hawley. The 37-year-old veteran then flashed a header across goal as Carlisle continued to push forward. Jonathan Smith replaced Mike Flynn after 52 minutes. Prendergast's cross was met by McEvilly but Glennon tipped over at full stretch. Preece then made another huge impact when he accepted Farrell's pass, turned sharply and fired across Alcock again with his sweet left foot. Accrington remained a threat as the livewire McEvilly turned neatly past Andrews and shot inches wide on 65 minutes. Preece, the goalscoring hero, was involved in a clash a few minutes later and received a yellow. Paul Cook replaced Howarth for Accrington. Stanley almost levelled from a corner with 7 minutes left but after Glennon blocked a Mullin header, a scramble led to McGill hacking off the line. Another dangerous cross from Prendergast was cleared by Simon Grand to concede another corner kick. Cook headed over as Stanley kept up the pressure. Glennon made a desperate grope to keep the ball out as the game went into injury time. Al's verdict: This could be a very important result come the end of the season. Defeat tonight would have left us with a mountain to climb to catch Barnet. After a first half which contained plenty of chances but with the home team looking to be on top, Simmo yet again brought on a substitute who managed to find the net - our last four goals have all come from subs. On this occasion Andy Preece doubled up to bring us three precious points and keep Barnet just about in sight. What a left foot this man has! Still not playing at our best, and missing the three wise men of Gray, Cowan and Murphy (who wasn't too wise at York!) as the festive season approaches. But a win was crucial tonight and we managed to eke it out. |
