Coleman off to winning start
Robert Atkinson and John O'Sullivan bagged a brace apiece as Accrington recorded a thrilling 5-4 victory at Northampton.
New Stanley boss John Coleman gave starts to Blackburn midfielder O'Sullivan and West Ham striker Sean Maguire, and both played a big part at Sixfields.
Marc Richards and Ryan Watson went close for the Cobblers while O'Sullivan and Maguire both made an early impact with a couple of efforts. And it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Atkinson headed home from Kal Naismith's delivery.
Chris Hackett went close before the hosts equalised in the 26th minute when Richards headed home from close range after being picked out by Joel Byrom. But they were only back on level terms for a couple of minutes as O'Sullivan restored Stanley's advantage.
And it got even better for Coleman in the 37th minute when O'Sullivan turned provider, setting up Atkinson who headed home his second goal from six yards out.
O'Sullivan went close either side of the interval as Stanley threatened a fourth goal but Richards had a free-kick saved by Joe Lumley, who also denied Byrom as Northampton looked to get back in the contest.
Ryan Watson twice went close but Accrington still had chances at the other end, as Naismith headed over from a good position and Maguire hit the crossbar.
And it was O'Sullivan who added a fourth goal in the 75th minute with a great finish from 15 yards. Substitute Ivan Toney reduced the arrears again three minutes later, scoring from close range after good work from Gregor Robertson.
Maguire added a fifth goal in the 84th minute after being set up by Naismith only for Toney to grab his second goal in the 89th minute, heading home from Kaid Mohamed's cross.
Darren Carter reduced the arrears further in injury time but Northampton were unable to complete the comeback.
Source: PA
