Leam
Richardson’s first week in charge brought two games with contrasting
performances where individuals took centre stage for differing reasons.
A strong
following and a full strength Stanley side journeyed to AFC Fylde in the first
round proper of the FA Cup on Saturday. The hosts were welcoming off the pitch
but strong and committed on it; a tough test met the reds despite the gulf in
league positions.
Staney’s
passing and movement were on top form throughout the game and this quality
shining through was key to thwarting a difficult non-league team. Fylde for all
of their endeavour struggled to cope with our play in the final third, finding our
front line in a clinical mood.
Will
Hatfield - the super-sub from last season - was particularly ruthless on the
day, breaking his duck and then some by scoring all of our four goals. Not many
players can say that they have achieved such a feat, one which will long remain
in the memories of all that travelled.
The
following Tuesday dug up an old rivalry just a little further up the coast. Morecambe
away is a special fixture for Stanley fans not least due to the amount of
memorable moments shared in games gone by. From the double dismissal of Rory
Prendergast and Dean Calcutt in the Marsden Trophy to the wonder goal scored by
Ian Craney, Morecambe bay has been the mixing pot for proper North West
football.
This
game however was somewhat anti-climactic, at least for the Shrimps. The home
team created far more chances than us but squandered all of them in the face of
in-form Stanley ‘keeper Ian Dunbavin. Not even a last-minute penalty could get
past the loveable stopper who is having the season of his career so far. A very
fortunate point was won which could prove invaluable come the end of the
season.
Stanley
now unbeaten in three return home to the Crown Ground to face Northampton Town.
Three points here could propel us closer to the play-off positions as we reach
the season’s half-way mark. Leam Richardson will be hoping that the moments of
flair and resilience shown this week can come together to aid a comfortable
home victory.
On,
Stanley, On.
