MICHAEL Welch scored an early contender for goal of the season to give Stanley a deserved point against County on Friday night.

The defender picked up the ball in the centre circle, chested it down and then unleashed a 40 yard volley in the 78th minute to deny Stockport their first win of the season.

"I used to score goals like that a long time ago but I haven't for a while," said Welch, who was on trial at Stockport last season before joining the Reds.

"As soon as I hit it I knew it was going in. It was a massive goal as we were on top at that time and needed to score.

"Clean sheets are my bread and butter but to score a goal like that is always a bonus."

Manager John Coleman was, though, furious at his side's slow start as they left Glenn Murray unmarked in the 12th minute for him to open the scoring.

"We started too slowly and you won't see a more Jeckyll and Hyde performance. In the first half I was embarrassed, in the second half I was proud. We have got to be quicker out of the traps."

Stanley play Nottingham Forest at home in the Carling Cup tonight (ko 7.45pm)