John Coleman is delighted with "everybody concerned" after Stanley's U18s progressed into the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup last night.
The young Reds beat Leeds United 4-2 in extra-time at the Wham Stadium, and will now face either Liverpool or Portsmouth away in the next round.
With the game level at 2-2 in the extra period, schoolboys Jack Doherty and Luke Stowe came off the bench to score and win it for Paul Lodge's side.
"I was absolutely delighted for everybody concerned with the club last night, particularly the youth department," said Coleman. "They had a trappy start to the season, and couldn't buy a win for about seven or eight games but they've been on a really good run.
"What pleased me yesterday was that it was a total victory for sheer determination. Leeds came back really strong in the second half, pulling it back from 2-0 down to equalise, and it looked like there might only be one winner at that point. But the lads stuck their chests out, battled through and thoroughly deserved the win in extra time.
"The shift that they put in, and to score four goals as well, including two from 16-year-olds, I just thought was fantastic.
"I get really excited for the kids playing in this, and I had a chat with them before the game and told them whatever they do they must enjoy it. I reminded them that I didn't have the opportunity to play in these type of games so they should embrace it and I know they did that.
"I'm looking forward to the next round. It might be a long way to go to watch them, but I will make the journey to Fratton Park if needs be.
"I'm really, really pleased for them and hopefully they can take that on into the next round."