JOHN Coleman hailed his team's first half performance in the 2-0 victory at Notts County as the best of the season.

The Reds returned to East Lancashire with all three points which sees them climb to 16th place in the league table - and just four points outside the play-off places Stanley will be looking to compete this season.

It was the Reds first win on the road of the campaign and only their second since beating Doncaster on the opening day of the League Two season on August 6.

But following goals from John O'Sullivan and substitute Rommy Boco, Coleman was delighted with the way his side - and hailed the defensive spirit Stanley showed as they protected their two goal lead to clinch three vital points.

O’Sullivan scored on 17 minutes with a deflected effort before Rommy Boco celebrated a superb solo effort after the break to record Stanley’s first league clean sheet this season.

“We were desperate for a clean sheet,” said Coleman. “It was a terrific tempo in the first half and the best we have played this season.

“Notts County took the game to us at the beginning of the second half and had us on the back foot and, if they had scored, I would have feared for us.

“But we made some great challenges, some unbelievable blocks and we defended stoically and we knew we would get a chance and Rommy finished well.

“That took the pressure off us, they became disjointed which allowed us to see the game out.

“I thought we were value for the win with our performance in the first half and now we have to build on that.

“We have got to get some consistency in our play, we eliminated the sloppy mistakes today but we have got to be more ruthless with our finishing and get the wins which will move us up the table.”