PROUD Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman hailed his giant-killing heroes after they humbled Bradford City to reach the second round of the LDV Vans Trophy.

Stanley revived memories of last season's FA Cup run as they overcame League One outfit Bradford in dramatic style thanks to Lee McEvilly's late winner at Valley Parade.

"Everyone has done well and I applaud them," said an ecstatic Coleman.

"They did more than I asked of them. Bradford are the highest-placed team we have beaten, certainly in open play, and it's a difficult place to go to as they have got really good players.

"I really can't fault anybody, even the ones who came on as a substitute. Robbie Williams came on and looked a revelation in midfield and Smithy won a couple of headers at the end. It's given me a few problems for Saturday, which can only be good."

Stanley, who secured £2,000 for their Bradford win, must now channel the euphoria of Wednesday night to get their Nationwide Conference promotion push back on track at struggling Farnborough following last Saturday's home defeat. "Games like Saturday happen. It's how you respond to that and we responded well at Bradford," Coleman added.

"Maybe it's a blessing that we didn't go to extra-time because there would have been a lot of tired legs and not a lot of time to recover.

"Farnborough haven't played, which gives them the benefit over us, but I think when you come away with a win there aren't that many tired legs. We are going there in good spirits.

"We have only taken four points out of the last nine and if you are going to maintain a title push or try and cement your place in the play-offs that's not good enough, so we've got to go and take three points."

Coleman may be tempted to stick with the side that started at Bradford, but hasn't ruled out some more transfer activity.

The Stanley boss this week signed former Liverpool youngster Chris Butler following his departure from the Anfield Academy.

The 19-year-old has joined the Reds on an initial non-contract basis and will compete for the left-back slot following the collapse of a possible move for Cambridge defender Stuart Bimson following his successful loan spell.

"We are going to have a good look at him and hopefully he might force his way into the squad," said Coleman, whose plans to include Butler in the game at Bradford were scuppered by red tape.

With the experienced Mike Flynn, who scored Stanley's first goal in their trophy triumph, settling in well, Coleman is well served in the defensive department.

However, Jody Banim's departure means Coleman may look to increase his attacking options.

"It's something we've got to consider," he said. "We are always looking to strengthen. There might be one or two comings-and-goings and then we have to re-assess what we need.

"You've always got to be looking to be moving forward. If we can maybe make just one or two additions I think we'll have a good go this year."

  • THE draw for the second round of the LDV Vans Trophy is live on Soccer AM on Sky TV on Saturday.