John Coleman admitted it was emotional returning to Accrington as his Gillingham side needed a stoppage-time goal to rescue a point in a 1-1 draw.
Coleman was manager of the Reds for more than 20 years in two spells, leading them from non-league into the EFL, but was dismissed in March 2024.
His Gills side are battling at the wrong end of the table with Stanley and it looked like they were heading for defeat at the Wham Stadium, where he received a warm welcome before the game.
Coleman said: “Myself and (assistant) Jimmy Bell were big part of Accrington for a long time and I would have been disappointed to lose here.
“I did get a bit emotional at the end, especially with the nice tributes the fans paid to us.
“To be honest I didn’t want to come, if I could have managed from my armchair I would, but I was pleased with the reception and pleased it is over.
“It’s nice to look back but I have a job to do at Gillingham, myself and Jimmy are very passionate about Gillingham.”
Gills keeper Glenn Morris produced a couple of top class saves before Benn Ward celebrated his first EFL goal, getting on the end of a Ben Woods free-kick in the third minute of added time in the first half, to give Stanley the lead.
Coleman’s side pressed after the break but their first shot on target did not come until the 94th minute, when Armani Little’s short free-kick found Max Clark and he blasted home.
Coleman said: “I didn’t like the game, there wasn’t a lot of quality, not much goalmouth action, and both teams can play better.
“We fell asleep for their free-kick and then I felt we took control in the second half but we didn’t trouble their keeper and that’s what has plagued us all season.
“It was a great move for the free-kick and the strike from Max was fantastic.
“We move forward, it’s another point on the board to get towards 46-47 points to see us safe.”
Stanley were looking for back-to-back wins and manager John Doolan said: “It’s two points dropped, it’s frustrating because I could see what’s going to happen. We have to defend better.
“The first 20 minutes I felt there was only one team going to win it. We had the better chances. We were clinical on Tuesday when we won 5-0 but we weren’t with our chances today.
“They only had one shot on goal and that’s gone into the back of the net. We should have seen it out but we have to lick our wounds and go again.
“Four points from six this week is a decent return but we should have got six.”
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...

Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...

Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...

Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...

WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...

Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...

Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...

Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...

Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...

Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...



- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Liverpool join race to sign attacker Jeremy Monga