Last weekend saw struggling Accrington Stanley pull off one of the shock results of the weekend. Emerging as 4-0 victors over league leaders Swindon Town, courtesy of on-loan duo Paddy Madden and Isaac Heath.
League Two Lowdown’s Harry Gunn has been quick to Stanley’s praise, hailing the 20th-placed side as potential play-off candidates, with last weekend’s victory a possible statement of intent moving forward.
The pundit dubbed the Lancashire outfit as “serious contenders” for a play-off finish, with their victory over Swindon praised as a showing of “big intent” from the bottom-half strugglers.
Prior to their recent demolition of the league leaders, John Doolan’s side were on the back of three consecutive league defeats, with a particularly damaging loss at home to fellow strugglers Newport County the weekend before.
But having carved out some inspired results over promotion chasers MK Dons and Swindon Town, could Accrington pull together a push for League Two’s top seven?
Paddy Madden Aging ‘Like Fine Wine’
Paddy Madden has enjoyed a fantastic career in both the National League and EFL. Having made the switch to Accrington on loan from Chesterfield in the summer, this weekend showed that the 34-year-old still has it in his locker, and could be a vital cog towards any success at the Wham Stadium this season.
The striker opened his Stanley account from range in the 8th minute, before asserting an excellent team performance by doubling his side’s lead in the 72nd minute.
Determined to show a complete performance, the Irishman teed up Everton youngster Isaac Heath for his goal before making it a hattrick for himself in stoppage time.
A fantastic performance from Madden, the striker has enjoyed multiple promotions throughout his career and brings a wealth of experience to a relatively young Accrington outfit.
The former Stockport County man partnered well with the likes of Alex Henderson and Isaac Heath at the weekend. These partnerships could continue to flourish, boasting an excellent balance of youth, experience and quality where it matters.
Accrington Stanley’s Merseyside Starlet
Isaac Heath has been a breath of fresh air in Lancashire this season. Joining on loan from Premier League giants Everton, the wideman has tallied two goals and three assists for the club, while having some excellent performances at left-wing-back.
Only 20-years of age, the young Englishman has proven to have bags of talent in his eight appearances for Accrington. As previously mentioned, the experience of Madden and a young, energetic core of players elsewhere could give the Everton youngster the perfect environment to flourish this season.
In a post-match interview on Stanley’s official YouTube channel, Doolan was quick to the youngster’s appraisal, stating:
“[Heath is] quality, he is learning all the time
“He is another one that is at the other side of the scale if you like, or the end of the scale to Paddy.
“He’s just learning his trade. He’s come out as his first loan, excited everyone in all the games he played.
“And he is going to have a little dip every now and again.
“But whenever he puts performances in like that – when he picks his head up, he picks people out unselfishly.
“He has got that with those qualities about him to do that which is great.”
Can Accrington Stanley Push For Top Seven?
Much to the frustration of the Stanley faithful, their last two victories have come over the division’s top dogs in Swindon Town and MK Dons, while suffering losses to their relegation rivals in Cheltenham Town and Newport County.
However, only 13 games into the League Two campaign, the table is still congested, meaning a run of wins could turn any side’s fortunes.
At the time of writing, Stanley sit ten points adrift of seventh-placed Salford City, while their -3 goal difference is mostly superior to those around them.
A positive group with an energetic mix of players can often go a long way in League Two, so who’s to say never?
Accrington will make the short trip away to Fleetwood Town at the weekend, before hosting Tranmere Rovers the following Tuesday.
Check out what else our podcast team had to say about Accrington’s hopes for play-off football, in their latest episode available on YouTube and other platforms.