Callum Johnson was delighted to get his first 90 minutes under his belt and get one over his former side Middlesbrough.
Johnson came to Stanley last season, initially on loan from Boro, and signed permanently in January, helping the Reds win promotion to Sky Bet League One.
The defender faced his former club in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, with the Reds running out 4-3 winners thanks to a late Ross Sykes goal.
"My first game for Accrington was against Middlesbrough Under 23s in the Checkatrade Trophy so it was a different test on Saturday," said the 21-year-old.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game but I was impressed with the way we played, I thought we played some good football and showed what a good side we are.
"We are playing with a lot of confidence but I am disappointed we let in three goals. There is stuff to be worked on but there is always going to be. It was nice to win, I want to win every game, and it was great to get my first 90 minutes under my belt, I felt good. It was a bit more special for me that it was against Boro."
Johnson is now looking forward to the League One campaign, which kicks off on 4th August at home to Gillingham.
"We go into it with no fear, we believe in our philosophy and the way we play. We are always confident and these pre-season results, beating Huddersfield and Middlesbrough so far, gives us even more confidence.
"I am raring to go now, we will take each game in League One as it comes but we want to finish as high as we possibly can, we want to finish higher than just avoiding relegation."