Rossendale Utd 0 Accrington Stanley 2 - TRIALISTS Doni Clarke and Ray Shearwood were the Stanley goal heroes as boss John Coleman begins to formulate his squad for the new season.

The manager, apart from goalkeeper Kenny Arthur and John Miles, got a good look at players bidding for a Reds contract at UniBond First Division side Rossendale on Tuesday night.

And he will now sift out those he wants and those he doesn’t as he prepares for the opening League Two clash with Aldershot on August 9.

"I want to be starting to work with the squad we are going to have as soon as possible," said the Reds chief.

"They all worked hard and it is now up to us to decide whether the players can make a transition to the Football League."

Clarke played at Morecambe in 2004 and his shot was deflected beyond ex-Bury and Ipswich keeper Lee Bracey in the 70th minute.

Left back Shearwood, an 18-year-old from Preston North End, showed his persistence to fire home the second two minutes later after Bracey had saved his initial effort.

But the Reds, made up of a group of Argentinians who are trying their luck with Stanley, didn’t have it all their own way with keeper Arthur forced to make a number of good saves, especially in a lively finale where Rossendale deserved something for their efforts.

Among the other Stanley wanabees was right back Craig Flowers who took part in Stockport County’s "Search for a County Star" in 2007. 150 hopefuls were put through two rigorous days of training with Flowers offered a professional contract at Edgeley Park. He was, though, unable to break into the first team.

Another ex-County player, James Smith, is also on trial, but he didn’t take part on Tuesday.

"We played some lovely football in the first half and is was nice to see Kenny making some good saves," added Coleman.

"Pre-season games are always difficult - you only have to look at Blackburn only winning 2-1 at Macclesfield and Wrexham beating Wolves.

"You are always going to get a good game whoever you play against as the opposition are trying to impress you as well."