NICKY Hunt hailed the Reds’ rearguard action after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Plymouth.

Hunt’s late goal-line clearance helped Stanley claim all three points but he felt the victory wasn’t just down to the defence.

“All the lads should take credit for the defensive display,” said the Reds’ right-back. “It’s not just the keeper and the back four, I thought Joycey and Proc in centre-mid helped us out massively.

“We didn’t have that many chances but Kal took his goal very well. It was a great move from back to front for the goal.

“Our keeper only had one or two saves to make and their keeper can probably say the same, but we capitalised on their mistake,” Hunt added.

“It was quite an easy goal to score. With the build-up, we got quite a lot of space and I think they gave us too much respect.”

Hunt was part of an experienced back four, with Tom Aldred and Rob Atkinson in the middle. Dean Winnard has been at left-back since John Coleman’s return and on-loan keeper Aaron Chapman made his debut on Saturday.

“There are a lot of league games under everyone’s belt,” said Hunt. “Although the keeper’s quite inexperienced I thought he did magnificently. He was a massive presence for us and it’s great to play in front of that, knowing he’s behind to sweep up and catch crosses for you.”

Despite a second successive win under Coleman, Stanley climbed just one place to 16th.

“I think it’ll be tight till Christmas, maybe to late-January,” said Hunt. “Then teams will start pulling away from each other.

“The gaffer’s got a 100 per cent record and after they got to the play-offs I think everyone’s wanting to get back up there,” added the 31-year-old.

“Everyone wants big crowds and to go to Wembley. It’s such a young squad but even the old guard like myself want to get back to winning and to Wembley.

“It was magnificent by the lads against Plymouth and hopefully we can carry it on against Mansfield. We’ve just got to focus on the next game and that’s a very winnable game for us.”