IT looks like being another disjointed pre-season campaign for Accrington Stanley after they were defeated in their second warm-up match.

Despite starting with six first-teamers, the Reds struggled to gain control in the game, and fell behind to a Paul Macari goal halfway through the first period.

Stanley, who won only two out of nine pre-season friendlies last year, suffered a blow early in the game when trialist goalkeeper Dan Trueman was taken off with a thigh injury and replaced by Aaron Ratchford.

Andy Mangan was the Conference champions' brightest player early on as he forced Alsager goalkeeper Phil McGing into a save with a rasping 20-yard effort.

But it wasn't long before the home side took the lead, with ex-Stoke striker Macari latching onto a flick-on in the box and guiding the ball into the top left corner after 25 minutes.

Things might have got worse for John Coleman's side when they conceded two penalties.

The first, dubiously awarded for handball, was blazed wide of the left hand post but minutes later another was given after Stanley trialist Kerrin Allen was adjudged to have handled.

Substitute keeper Ratchford proved to be the hero as he palmed the kick away low to his right.

The interval brought the customary personnel changes, and both sides struggled to play good football on a difficult pitch.

Ian Craney was a continued threat for Stanley, and he was close to an equaliser on the hour mark when he fired a free kick just over the bar.

The final whistle brought defeat but not disgrace for a second half side made up of youngsters and trialists.

The first team players and supporters alike know that there are much bigger things to come.

Stanley: Dan Trueman, Peter Cavanagh, Ashley Foyle, Michael Welch, Rob Henry, Kerrin Allen, Ian Craney, Alex Higgins, Andy Todd, Sean Doherty, Andy Mangan.

Subs used: Aaron Ratchford, James Heywood, Vasilis Theopolis, Jay Harris, Joel Byrom, Nicky Platt.