Accrington Stanley slipped to a fourth successive League One defeat against Exeter City.

The Grecians led 1-0 at half-time but took control after the break at St James Park.

It leaves the Reds still in the relegation places with eight games to go.

John Coleman made four changes from the midweek loss to table topping Plymouth with Lukas Jensen back in goal after his ban while defender Harvey Rodgers also came back into the starting XI after a suspension.

Teenager Aaron Pickles started in defence with Doug Tharme suspended and Mo Sangare on international duty, scoring for Liberia yesterday.

Michael Nottingham picked up a minor injury midweek and sat the game out.

Exeter created all the opportunities in the first half.

Jay Stansfield had an early shot but couldn’t find the target while Demetri Mitchell’s strike was saved by Jensen.

The next notable effort was a Sam Nombe fierce shot on 30 minutes but it was comfortable for the Burnley loan keeper.

Archie Collins had a superb chance for Exeter on 32 minutes when he got the ball with the goal at his mercy around eight yards out but he hit it over the bar.

Nombe’s low shot was easy for Jensen before the Grecians took the lead on 36 minutes. Mitchell cut inside, made space for himself just outside the area and rifled the ball into the top of the net.

Stanley’s chances were limited with a Shaun Whalley penalty appeal and a header which was off-target just before the break.

Coleman made a triple substitution at half-time, bringing on Aaron Pressley, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Jack Nolan.

But it was 2-0 on 49 minutes when a long ball over the top found Josh Key who raced through one-on-one with Jensen and slotted the ball past him.

Nombe’s strike was straight at Jensen and then the third came on 54 minutes when Alex Hartridge's strike bounced off bar and Nombe poked home from close range.

Matt Lowe came on just after the hour mark but it was 4-0 on 75 minutes when Stansfield fed James Scott in and the area and he struck home.

Stansfield cut inside to drill home the fifth on 81 minutes.

Stanley: Jensen, Fernandes, Rodgers, Pickles (Nolan), Clark, Martin (Moonan), Leigh (Pressley), Longelo (Butler-Oyedeji), McConville, Whalley, Adedoyin (Lowe)

Subs: Savin, Mancini

Attendance: 6556 (130 from asfc)