An Alex Henderson wonder strike secured Accrington Stanley a much-needed win at Swindon Town.
After four successive losses, Interim Manager John Doolan was celebrating substitute Henderson’s 82nd minute rocket – the Accrington fan had only been on the pitch seven minutes.
Swindon had taken the lead in the second half before Jack Nolan levelled from the penalty spot with his 13th goal of the season.
Henderson then stepped up with the winner from 25 yards – Stanley’s first win since the 13th February - and the 74 Reds fans who made the trip went home happy.
It moved Stanley to 49 points – one point off the magical target of 50 which usually guarantees safety.
Swindon, below Stanley in 18th place, had the first real chance on 10 minutes when the ball pinged around the Stanley area but the Reds managed to hook it clear
There weren’t many clear-cut chances in the first half but Stanley created more opportunities with Cody Adedoyin having an effort blocked and Tommy Leigh’s shot deflected wide.
Stanley had the ball in the net on 35 minutes through Adedoyin but it was ruled out for offside.
Adedoyin headed over from a Jack Nolan ball in and Dan Martin fired narrowly wide as the visitors shaded the first half.
Manchester United loan keeper Radek Vitek was first in action after the break denying Paul Glatsel.
From the resulting corner on 47 minutes, the Reds couldn’t clear their lines and Aaron Drinan drilled the ball into the roof of the net to give the Robins the lead.
Stanley didn’t let their heads drop and a Brad Hills ball to the far post just couldn’t be converted while, at the other end, Glatsel’s shot was deflected wide.
The Reds were awarded a penalty on 57 minutes when Shaun Whalley tricked his way into the area and Dawson Devoy fouled him. Penalty tacker Nolan has been lethal from the spot and finished superbly to make it all-square.
Both sides then had chances. Josh Woods got on end of Nolan ball in but couldn’t make a clear connection while William Kokolo’s deflected effort was just wide and Devoy had a long range shot saved by Vitek.
Henderson and Jake Bickerstaff came on for Stanley on 75 minutes and straight after Leigh had a drive well saved at the near post.
Then came Henderson’s memorable goal - his third goal in his breakthrough season - to put the smiles on Accrington faces after a tough few weeks.
Stanley moved up to 15th place, eight points off the Play-Off places.
Stanley: Vitek, Mellor, Hills, Gubbins, O’Brien, Nolan, Martin, Leigh (Conneely), Whalley, J Woods (Bickerstaff), Adedoyin (Henderson)
Subs: McIntyre, B Woods, Quirk, Adekoya
Yellow: Leigh, J Woods, Mellor
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