John Coleman hails Accrington’s self-belief following win over Forest Green

Posted Sunday, March 18, 2018 by PA

John Coleman believes Accrington’s victory came down to their self-belief as they opened up a three-point gap at the top of the League Two table with a 3-1 win over Forest Green.

Accrington grabbed an early goal when Rovers failed to clear their lines in the third minute and Callum Johnson celebrated his first professional goal.

Rovers equalised through Reuben Reid who poked home his 12th goal of the season at the far post.

A superb solo goal by Jordan Clark put Stanley ahead nine minutes from time when the winger jinked past the Rovers defence and fired home from an angle.

Kayden Jackson sealed the victory in stoppage-time when he chipped goalkeeper Brad Collins from 25 yards for his 14th goal of the campaign.

“We are finding ways to win at the moment,” said Coleman as his side chalked up an eighth successive home win.

“We got an early goal but it was tricky in difficult conditions and you have got to give Forest Green credit for coming back, although we were disappointed with the goal we conceded.

“Forest Green are probably the best passing team in the league but we organised ourselves well and were solid defensively.

“We didn’t give them too many chances though and we were the most dangerous side in both halves.

“Then we have capped the display with a fantastic individual run and goal from Jordan Clark, who nutmegged the keeper.

“We responded when they scored and that’s because the players have the belief and a steely determination at the moment.

“Kayden deserved his goal at the end as he worked really hard. We have nine games to go and every game is going to be tough, this was a difficult game and it’s another tough game chalked off.”

Forest Green are in 21st place but have a six-point gap from the bottom two.

“It is frustrating as we got ourselves back in the game and deserved something from it,” said boss Mark Cooper.

“We gave away an early goal but we deservedly got back in it and then it was horrendous defending for the second goal.

“We let their player walk the ball into the net and it was horrendous.

“It was a good performance but you can’t concede goals like we did today and expect to win games. We controlled the game and we should have seen it out at 1-1.

“We have come to the top of the league and we are disappointed with a draw. One loss of concentration has cost us a point.”