Wilson Carvalho scored his first Stanley goal and Sean McConville made the game safe as the Reds won their opening Leasing.com Trophy Northern Group B clash against Fleetwood, who were down to 10-men for 65 minutes.

In a feisty first half, Harrison Biggins was sent off for the Cod Army for a challenge on McConville and Stanley made their man-advantage count in the second half thanks to Carvalho’s deflected strike and McConville’s fine finish.

A late Paddy Madden penalty was a consolation for Joey Barton's men.

There were four players making their debuts for the Reds – goalkeeper Toby Savin, who came through the youth ranks, summer signings Lamine Kaba Sherif and Carvalho with Phil Edwards making his second Stanley debut.

It was highly-rated Savin who was the first keeper in action, producing a superb one-handed save to keep out a Ched Evans close range strike in the 10^th minute.

Stanley were breaking quickly and appealed for a penalty for a Lewie Coyle challenge on Joe Pritchard on 14 minutes but referee Darren Handley said no.

There was a delay in the 17^th minute as Fleetwood’s Wes Burns had treatment and was then stretchered off following a challenge in the centre of the park by Kaba Sherif.

Tempers were spilling over and Biggins saw red in the 25^th minute for a challenge near the dug outs which resulted in a number of players coming together.

Kaba Sherif, after picking up a booking, was then substituted by John Coleman on 30 minutes with Sam Finley replacing him.

Chances were at a premium but Stanley came close to almost breaking the deadlock immediately after the restart with McConville denied a goal by the foot of keeper Alex Cairns.

Stanley pressed and got their rewards in the 52^nd minute when Carvalho’s strike from the edge of the area was deflected off Jordan Rossiter beyond Cairns – and he went over to the Reds bench to celebrate.

Savin produced another good save on 61 minutes from Evans as Joey Barton’s side enjoyed a strong spell of possession.

However Stanley made it safe on 72 minutes with a sweeping move ending with McConville stroking the ball home from the left of the area.

Finley almost added a third but fired just wide from distance and, in injury time, sub Madden slotted home a penalty after handball.

Stanley’s group also includes Oldham and Liverpool Under 21s.