STANLEY boss John Coleman was pleased with his side’s application in their pre-season victory at Hyde United.

The Reds were 3-0 winners at Ewen Fields on Tuesday night with the Accrington manager reserving special praise for two-goal Erico Sousa.

Sam Finley was also on target for the visitors as they scored three times in the second half to secure the win.

But it was Sousa who caught the eye, particularly after the break when he finished a flowing team move for the opener before rifling home a second.

And Coleman was impressed with the 23-year-old’s display.

Of Sousa he said: “He was electric tonight, he goes past people like they are not there. When he’s on song and he’s got his confidence high he is as good as anyone.”

Hyde kept Stanley at bay in the first period but the Reds found their end product in the second half and eventually ran out comfortable victors.

Coleman was pleased with the display with only Sean McConville, Jordan Clark and Kayden Jackson from his first choice XI at the end of last season featuring, as a number of fringe players were given a chance to stake a claim in a side that also included new signings Finley and Will Wood.

“I think we put the effort in both halves. We were just lacking a bit of quality in the final third in the first half,” the Reds  boss added.

“In the second half we scored some wonderful goals, Erico’s (first) was one of the best goals I have ever seen to be honest. The movement and the finish.

“The pleasing thing is that we kept on going right to the end. They are a spirited side Hyde and they had a successful season last season and we showed a great appetite for the game and it bodes well.”