LEAM Richardson was the unlikely hero as Stanley halted a run of three successive losses with a vital home win.

The Reds have struggled on home turf this season and chalked up only their fifth FES win of the campaign against play-off chasing Brentford on Tuesday night.

Richardson, playing in an unfamiliar right wing role, launched in a deep cross to the far post which hit the woodwork and bounced behind the keeper and into the net - his first goal for the Reds - on 31 minutes.

Stanley could have had more with Paul Mullin missing an open goal and his volley testing Bees keeper Ben Hamer in a game they deserved to win.

"It is a mixture of elation and relief in the dressing room," admitted boss John Coleman as Stanley finally made it seven points out of 33 following a poor run of form.

"If I am being critical it is a shame we couldn't get a second then we could have relaxed a bit but the lads have worked their socks off."

Stanley have the worst defensive record in the league but Coleman paid tribute to centre backs Mark Roberts and Sean Webb and widemen Phil Edwards and Aswad Thomas.

"Sean was magnificent - he led the back four well and that is what we have been missing - and Robbo battled through and made some vital interceptions.

"We defended well and all the players contributed."