Assistant manager Steve Parkin was delighted with Bradford's fourth win in a six game unbeaten run and said:
"We never devalue a 1-0 win. The lads showed a lot of 'grownupness' and worked hard, not just for the win, but the clean sheet as well because you don't get anywhere by shipping goals.
"We've looked like a real threat from set plays in the last two or three weeks."
Blackpool boss Neil McDonald watched his side lose a second match on the bounce and said:
"We're bitterly disappointed to lose the game on a set play. I can't fault anyone for lack of effort though. We kept going until the end."
- ends -
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I've set up this blog (Monday-Friday) to give extra coverage to teams I cover for the national press. Any views and opinions are all my own. Best wishes, Jeff. Follow me on Twitter and I'll update you each time I blog. http://twitter.com/JeffTaplin P.S. During the summer break I reserve the right to ramble on about anything and everything!
Sunday, 17 January 2016
Bristol City 1 Fulham 4 - Archive
James Husband believes Fulham can push for promotion - with or without him.
Boro winger Husband, 21, is playing in his second loan spell this season with the Cottagers and had a hand in three of his team's four first half goals before saying:
"If we're on song we're on a par with anyone. I think all of us think we can do something special this season, I honestly do. We're starting to get that belief a little bit now. We can beat any team as long as we do the nitty gritty stuff and work hard for each other. We're capable of beating any team in this league."
But Leeds born Husband knows his Craven Cottage stay will end before Christmas. He explained:
"I'm on loan until December 14th and then have to go back because the emergency loan deal is up. I can't come back then until January 1st, but I'm enjoying it so much I'd love to come back - one hundred percent.
"The boys have taken to me. It's a bit different from up north. I had to tell the lads that the weather today was hot compared to the north-east. I told them if they got their shirts off they'd get a tan, but I don't think they were convinced."
Moussa Dembele scored twice in the first eighteen minutes to stun City before skipper Ross McCormack blasted in a stunning 30 yard free kick after Husband had been fouled.
Striker McCormack joked:
"One out of twenty's not bad.
"It was further out than I first thought, but the keeper gave me a small target to aim at and fortunately it was big enough.
"This season we seem to be a bit of a one half team, but if we play like we did in the first half or as we did in the second half against Reading when we beat them last week, we'll win more than we lose.
"We played with a bit of a swagger in the first half without being over-confident. We're only four points off the play-offs now and while we are a confident bunch of lads, we're not getting carried away."
Fulham boss Kit Symons was delighted with his team's first half performance and hopes that nineteen year old Dembele who joined the club from Paris St. Germain in 2012 will soon sign a new contract to keep him at Craven Cottage. He said:
"Moussa is a player we will work on to improve. Talks over a new contract are in progress and we want him to sign. I am very hopeful it will happen. He is at the right club to develop his game because we have some good people to offer him guidance. He knows he'll get a kick up the backside when he needs it and a cuddle too."
City struggled to cope with the visitors before midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe added the fourth goal in the 36th minute, but manager Steve Cotterill refused to condemn last season's runaway League One champions. He said:
"I haven't stripped the paint off the walls, only a Neanderthal would do that. I'm with them all the way, I'll support them all the way. They're never on the field by themselves, I'm always next to them. I was with them when we were winning last year and I'm with them even more this year when we're losing. We'll bounce back and we'll be fine."
Striker Jonathan Kodjia, 26, scored a consolation goal in the dying seconds and Cotterill said:
"He's a great boy, but he's a work in progress like the whole squad at this level."
Boro winger Husband, 21, is playing in his second loan spell this season with the Cottagers and had a hand in three of his team's four first half goals before saying:
"If we're on song we're on a par with anyone. I think all of us think we can do something special this season, I honestly do. We're starting to get that belief a little bit now. We can beat any team as long as we do the nitty gritty stuff and work hard for each other. We're capable of beating any team in this league."
But Leeds born Husband knows his Craven Cottage stay will end before Christmas. He explained:
"I'm on loan until December 14th and then have to go back because the emergency loan deal is up. I can't come back then until January 1st, but I'm enjoying it so much I'd love to come back - one hundred percent.
"The boys have taken to me. It's a bit different from up north. I had to tell the lads that the weather today was hot compared to the north-east. I told them if they got their shirts off they'd get a tan, but I don't think they were convinced."
Moussa Dembele scored twice in the first eighteen minutes to stun City before skipper Ross McCormack blasted in a stunning 30 yard free kick after Husband had been fouled.
Striker McCormack joked:
"One out of twenty's not bad.
"It was further out than I first thought, but the keeper gave me a small target to aim at and fortunately it was big enough.
"This season we seem to be a bit of a one half team, but if we play like we did in the first half or as we did in the second half against Reading when we beat them last week, we'll win more than we lose.
"We played with a bit of a swagger in the first half without being over-confident. We're only four points off the play-offs now and while we are a confident bunch of lads, we're not getting carried away."
Fulham boss Kit Symons was delighted with his team's first half performance and hopes that nineteen year old Dembele who joined the club from Paris St. Germain in 2012 will soon sign a new contract to keep him at Craven Cottage. He said:
"Moussa is a player we will work on to improve. Talks over a new contract are in progress and we want him to sign. I am very hopeful it will happen. He is at the right club to develop his game because we have some good people to offer him guidance. He knows he'll get a kick up the backside when he needs it and a cuddle too."
City struggled to cope with the visitors before midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe added the fourth goal in the 36th minute, but manager Steve Cotterill refused to condemn last season's runaway League One champions. He said:
"I haven't stripped the paint off the walls, only a Neanderthal would do that. I'm with them all the way, I'll support them all the way. They're never on the field by themselves, I'm always next to them. I was with them when we were winning last year and I'm with them even more this year when we're losing. We'll bounce back and we'll be fine."
Striker Jonathan Kodjia, 26, scored a consolation goal in the dying seconds and Cotterill said:
"He's a great boy, but he's a work in progress like the whole squad at this level."
Bristol Rovers 1 Newport County 4 - Archive
Zak Ansah has no plans to follow his dad into TV drama, but is a cert for Casualty if he changes his mind.
Ansah, 21, is the son of former Southend winger Andy who starred in the Sky football series Dream Team after hanging up his boots, but the Charlton loanee is intent on making up for lost time on the pitch after numerous injury problems.
Striker Ansah scored a second half brace to lift Newport off the foot of the table before joking:
"I've had to rebuilt and I'm half robot now. I was with Arsenal for ten years, but picked up two cruciate ligament injuries, dislocated my shoulder twice, and had hernia and hip problems before they let me go.
"I've been free of injury for two and a half years now and my confidence has returned. Even though we train four or five days a week, I also use a personal trainer to help me work on stretching, core stuff and some strengthening without over-loading my body. I feel great."
Rovers central defender Tom Parkes headed in a thirteenth minute own goal before team mate Billy Bodin scored a spectacular equaliser within two minutes.
Man of the match Tommy O'Sullivan, 20, sealed the win and the on loan Cardiff midfielder revealed:
"It wasn't a bad strike for my first senior goal and we'll be talking this week about extending the loan which would be great. I'd like to build on the three games I've played so far and gain more experience."
County boss John Sheridan warned:
"I don’t think the players should be showing a bit of swagger because we’re still in a very vulnerable position. There certainly won’t be any swagger while I’m around."
Rovers manager Darrell Clarke fumed:
"There were some ears burning in the dressing room. That was not good enough."
Ansah, 21, is the son of former Southend winger Andy who starred in the Sky football series Dream Team after hanging up his boots, but the Charlton loanee is intent on making up for lost time on the pitch after numerous injury problems.
Striker Ansah scored a second half brace to lift Newport off the foot of the table before joking:
"I've had to rebuilt and I'm half robot now. I was with Arsenal for ten years, but picked up two cruciate ligament injuries, dislocated my shoulder twice, and had hernia and hip problems before they let me go.
"I've been free of injury for two and a half years now and my confidence has returned. Even though we train four or five days a week, I also use a personal trainer to help me work on stretching, core stuff and some strengthening without over-loading my body. I feel great."
Rovers central defender Tom Parkes headed in a thirteenth minute own goal before team mate Billy Bodin scored a spectacular equaliser within two minutes.
Man of the match Tommy O'Sullivan, 20, sealed the win and the on loan Cardiff midfielder revealed:
"It wasn't a bad strike for my first senior goal and we'll be talking this week about extending the loan which would be great. I'd like to build on the three games I've played so far and gain more experience."
County boss John Sheridan warned:
"I don’t think the players should be showing a bit of swagger because we’re still in a very vulnerable position. There certainly won’t be any swagger while I’m around."
Rovers manager Darrell Clarke fumed:
"There were some ears burning in the dressing room. That was not good enough."
Walsall 1 Chesterfield 2 - Archive
Ian Evatt scored the winner before watching his pals tear into each other.
Central defender Evatt, 33, scored the second just after the break after striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake had given the Spireites a fifth minute lead, but then watched as several team mates left the field arguing with each other before saying:
"It's nothing new in football, but it comes from a good place. We have a good group of lads who all get on, but we've sad in team meetings that we're too nice in many ways. We need to bring out that extra ten percent and if that means arguing and disagreeing, then so be it.
"If we're demanding more of each other after the game's finished and after we've won, then it just inspires us for the next one. We've won and yet the lads are all passionate about doing even better and driving each other on."
Manager Dean Saunders revealed the arguments continued in the changing room and said:
"They were all in there arguing about something - I don't know what - so I got out and let them get on with it."
Evatt also paid tribute to keeper Tommy Lee, 29, who made a string of great saves to shut out Walsall before rookie central defender Matt Preston, 20, finally grabbed a 93rd minute consolation. He said:
"In my opinion he's the best keeper in the league and he's been playing like that all season.
"I've never seen a player work so hard on his game. In the gym, on the training ground with our goalkeeping coach Mark Crossley, he lives the life of a real pro. It wouldn't surprise me if there aren't some big clubs looking at him."
Saddlers boss Dean Smith admitted:
"I don't think some of our players were at the standard they've been at this season."
Central defender Evatt, 33, scored the second just after the break after striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake had given the Spireites a fifth minute lead, but then watched as several team mates left the field arguing with each other before saying:
"It's nothing new in football, but it comes from a good place. We have a good group of lads who all get on, but we've sad in team meetings that we're too nice in many ways. We need to bring out that extra ten percent and if that means arguing and disagreeing, then so be it.
"If we're demanding more of each other after the game's finished and after we've won, then it just inspires us for the next one. We've won and yet the lads are all passionate about doing even better and driving each other on."
Manager Dean Saunders revealed the arguments continued in the changing room and said:
"They were all in there arguing about something - I don't know what - so I got out and let them get on with it."
Evatt also paid tribute to keeper Tommy Lee, 29, who made a string of great saves to shut out Walsall before rookie central defender Matt Preston, 20, finally grabbed a 93rd minute consolation. He said:
"In my opinion he's the best keeper in the league and he's been playing like that all season.
"I've never seen a player work so hard on his game. In the gym, on the training ground with our goalkeeping coach Mark Crossley, he lives the life of a real pro. It wouldn't surprise me if there aren't some big clubs looking at him."
Saddlers boss Dean Smith admitted:
"I don't think some of our players were at the standard they've been at this season."
Oxford United 1 AFC Wimbledon 0 - Archive
George Baldock is eyeing up promotion after scoring a stunner in front of his nearest and dearest.
Full back Baldock, 22, is the younger brother of Brighton striker Sam and rifled in his first Oxford goal from 25 yards in the 80th minute before revealing:
"I'm buzzing after that. My brother and Dad were watching and I was just saying to my Dad the other day that I needed to add goals to my game. It's funny how things pan out like that. You mention it to one of your loved ones and the next weekend you score. I might have to talk to him every week about scoring.
"I'll try and wind Sam up now, but he'll just bring up his own goal scoring record and that'll be the end of that."
And Baldock has high hopes for the club he has joined on a season long loan from MK Dons. He said:
"The Head Scout from MK was here in the week for the win against Swindon in the JPT and told me he was so impressed with us and said that on that performance we should go up.
Oxford boss Michael Appleton was delighted with Baldock and said:
"It was a great strike from George. He did the right thing in not trying to hit it too hard. He hit it true.
"We knew it was going to be a difficult game, but the lads did tremendously well. This is without a shadow of a doubt in my mind - although our supporters might disagree - our biggest win of the season."
Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley groaned:
"We were beaten by a good strike that came with bodies running across the keeper. It was kind of disappointing because it was one of those that you look at and you are not quite sure what you could have done about it."
Full back Baldock, 22, is the younger brother of Brighton striker Sam and rifled in his first Oxford goal from 25 yards in the 80th minute before revealing:
"I'm buzzing after that. My brother and Dad were watching and I was just saying to my Dad the other day that I needed to add goals to my game. It's funny how things pan out like that. You mention it to one of your loved ones and the next weekend you score. I might have to talk to him every week about scoring.
"I'll try and wind Sam up now, but he'll just bring up his own goal scoring record and that'll be the end of that."
And Baldock has high hopes for the club he has joined on a season long loan from MK Dons. He said:
"The Head Scout from MK was here in the week for the win against Swindon in the JPT and told me he was so impressed with us and said that on that performance we should go up.
Oxford boss Michael Appleton was delighted with Baldock and said:
"It was a great strike from George. He did the right thing in not trying to hit it too hard. He hit it true.
"We knew it was going to be a difficult game, but the lads did tremendously well. This is without a shadow of a doubt in my mind - although our supporters might disagree - our biggest win of the season."
Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley groaned:
"We were beaten by a good strike that came with bodies running across the keeper. It was kind of disappointing because it was one of those that you look at and you are not quite sure what you could have done about it."
Wycombe Wanderers 2 Northampton Town 3 - Archive
Marc Richards revealed that a good old-fashioned kick up the backside worked wonders for the Cobblers.
Town striker Richards hit a 35th minute equaliser to cancel out Luke O'Nien's opener before admitting he had been out of sorts. He explained:
"The gaffer gave me a bit of a kick up the bum on Friday. I gave away too many free kicks last game and so he was on to me about it.
"As a player you need a manager to tell you how it is. I'm 33 and I've played quite a few games, but I still need to be kicked up the arse from time to time. I think football's going a little soft. Players don't like to be told off. We need to get back to the old-school way of doing things.
"I've scored six goals this season, but your team mates expect more from you than that. I don't think I found the form I had last year - until now."
Midfielder Lawson D'Ath put Northampton ahead and Posh loanee defender Shaun Brisley added a third before saying:
"I'd love to stay longer. My deal runs out after the Hartlepool game next week, but it's been fantastic being here. There's a real togetherness about the squad."
And Brisley, 25, prefers lining up alongside Richards than facing him. He said:
"I have bragging rights over him after a couple of 4-1 derby wins when I played for Macclesfield and he played for Port Vale, but I'd still rather have up playing up top for me than against me. He's a really good pro."
Danny Rowe pulled a late goal back for Wycombe as they were knocked off top spot, but boss Gareth Ainsworth said:
"We were there to be shot at. Now Plymouth are up there so they can take some of the pot shots for a while."
Northampton manager Chris Wilder has been linked with the vacancy at Championship strugglers Rotherham, but the Yorkshireman said:
"From my point of view, I am enjoying my time here at Northampton. As I said to the chairman when I walked through the door here, all the clubs I have been at I have been there for a considerable time."
Town striker Richards hit a 35th minute equaliser to cancel out Luke O'Nien's opener before admitting he had been out of sorts. He explained:
"The gaffer gave me a bit of a kick up the bum on Friday. I gave away too many free kicks last game and so he was on to me about it.
"As a player you need a manager to tell you how it is. I'm 33 and I've played quite a few games, but I still need to be kicked up the arse from time to time. I think football's going a little soft. Players don't like to be told off. We need to get back to the old-school way of doing things.
"I've scored six goals this season, but your team mates expect more from you than that. I don't think I found the form I had last year - until now."
Midfielder Lawson D'Ath put Northampton ahead and Posh loanee defender Shaun Brisley added a third before saying:
"I'd love to stay longer. My deal runs out after the Hartlepool game next week, but it's been fantastic being here. There's a real togetherness about the squad."
And Brisley, 25, prefers lining up alongside Richards than facing him. He said:
"I have bragging rights over him after a couple of 4-1 derby wins when I played for Macclesfield and he played for Port Vale, but I'd still rather have up playing up top for me than against me. He's a really good pro."
Danny Rowe pulled a late goal back for Wycombe as they were knocked off top spot, but boss Gareth Ainsworth said:
"We were there to be shot at. Now Plymouth are up there so they can take some of the pot shots for a while."
Northampton manager Chris Wilder has been linked with the vacancy at Championship strugglers Rotherham, but the Yorkshireman said:
"From my point of view, I am enjoying my time here at Northampton. As I said to the chairman when I walked through the door here, all the clubs I have been at I have been there for a considerable time."
Walsall 1 Crewe Alexandra 1 - Archive
Tom Bradshaw has been given a leg up as he tries to fire Walsall towards promotion.
Striker Bradshaw, 23, scored twenty goals last term despite suffering several hamstring problems and spent his summer holiday working with the club's medical staff to address the problem.
After nodding in his eighth goal of this campaign in the fourth minute he revealed:
"We did a lot of work and I've now got insoles in the majority of my shoes because it turns out I've got a slight leg length discrepancy. It's quite common, but we were ticking all of the boxes to minimise the chances of any hamstring problems in the future. I was then given a programme to follow to strengthen them and they've held up really well."
Bradshaw admitted he should have scored the winner in the dying seconds, but said:
"Four or five of us had opportunities, but it just wasn't our day. Their keeper made some great saves, but I still think we played well as a team. It's just a shame we didn't get the three points."
Central defender Ben Nugent, 22, drilled in a low shot from the edge of the box in the eighteenth minute to earn second from bottom Crewe a draw and then joked:
"I hit it in the same way I make a tackle. It wasn't something I'd try to do on the training ground, but we'll take the point. That's four from the last two games and we're all feeling pretty positive."
Upbeat Saddlers boss Dean Smith said:
"Our movement was terrific. I'm blessed with the quality of the squad I've got and I've got good competition for places."
Crewe manager Steve Davis said:
"It's a tough league for us, but we don't just want to be survivors, we want to do better than that."
Striker Bradshaw, 23, scored twenty goals last term despite suffering several hamstring problems and spent his summer holiday working with the club's medical staff to address the problem.
After nodding in his eighth goal of this campaign in the fourth minute he revealed:
"We did a lot of work and I've now got insoles in the majority of my shoes because it turns out I've got a slight leg length discrepancy. It's quite common, but we were ticking all of the boxes to minimise the chances of any hamstring problems in the future. I was then given a programme to follow to strengthen them and they've held up really well."
Bradshaw admitted he should have scored the winner in the dying seconds, but said:
"Four or five of us had opportunities, but it just wasn't our day. Their keeper made some great saves, but I still think we played well as a team. It's just a shame we didn't get the three points."
Central defender Ben Nugent, 22, drilled in a low shot from the edge of the box in the eighteenth minute to earn second from bottom Crewe a draw and then joked:
"I hit it in the same way I make a tackle. It wasn't something I'd try to do on the training ground, but we'll take the point. That's four from the last two games and we're all feeling pretty positive."
Upbeat Saddlers boss Dean Smith said:
"Our movement was terrific. I'm blessed with the quality of the squad I've got and I've got good competition for places."
Crewe manager Steve Davis said:
"It's a tough league for us, but we don't just want to be survivors, we want to do better than that."
Bristol City 0 Reading 2 - Archive
Stephen Quinn is backing his childhood pal to lead the Royals back to the Premier League.
Republic of Ireland international Quinn, 29, pulled the strings from midfield as Reading eased their way to a comfortable win against last season's runaway League One champions, but was quick to praise friend and skipper Paul McShane.
Both players were ditched by Hull in the summer as the Tigers dropped out of the top flight and McShane ended the game with stitches in a bandaged head following a first half clash. Quinn said:
"He's one of my best friends and a brave man. He puts his heart on the line and his head everywhere. He's a fellow countryman and we've known each other since we were eleven when we played against each other and then through the youth levels in Dublin.
"I do fear for his safety at times though because he's so honest and that mad that I don't know what he's going to do next. He never shirks a challenge and I think he puts the fear of God into some strikers.
"He's honest as the day is long, but often doesn't get the recognition for what a good footballer he is as well. I think that the manager did notice that though and that's why he brought him here.
"We both want to take the club back to the Premier League. We did it with Hull and we have the hunger and desire to do to again. The manager's brought in other players with that attitude as well."
Nick Blackman opened the scoring in the ninth minute with his sixth of the campaign and Garath McCleary added a second four minutes later in his first start of the season, but Quinn revealed:
"At the moment Nick can walk on water, but he was disappointed after the game because he knows he could've had more. That's the measure of the man and that's what the gaffer wants to see.
"Garath played with Jamaica in the summer and did well, but he came back with a couple of tears in his calf. The gaffer managed him really well. It was his chance today and he proved he's a real good talent. He's very athletic, can go left or right and stuck one in today that was a real beauty."
Quinn is also enjoying working with boss Steve Clarke and said:
"He's meticulous in his work and makes it enjoyable. He's been brilliant. I've worked with some top managers like Steve Bruce and Neil Warnock and he's probably one of the best - actually THE best. His coaching and management style is second to none.
And Clarke was just as pleased with the attitude of his players. He said:
"I'm happy with the squad we have assembled and delighted with the way the players are performing on the pitch and working on the training ground. I would think it is a good time to be a Reading fan."
Meanwhile, City central defender Aden Flint admitted the Robins struggled, but said:
"The team spirit is still there. When times are hard, that's when team spirit comes into play. The mood in the changing room is a bit down now, but we'll rally around each other and keep encouraging each other."
The defeat left City in the drop zone without a home win this term and manager Steve Cotterill said:
"We've given the opposition a start, which we've done too many times this season. From then on I don't think we properly got into our stride. We couldn't get going and that was disappointing."
Republic of Ireland international Quinn, 29, pulled the strings from midfield as Reading eased their way to a comfortable win against last season's runaway League One champions, but was quick to praise friend and skipper Paul McShane.
Both players were ditched by Hull in the summer as the Tigers dropped out of the top flight and McShane ended the game with stitches in a bandaged head following a first half clash. Quinn said:
"He's one of my best friends and a brave man. He puts his heart on the line and his head everywhere. He's a fellow countryman and we've known each other since we were eleven when we played against each other and then through the youth levels in Dublin.
"I do fear for his safety at times though because he's so honest and that mad that I don't know what he's going to do next. He never shirks a challenge and I think he puts the fear of God into some strikers.
"He's honest as the day is long, but often doesn't get the recognition for what a good footballer he is as well. I think that the manager did notice that though and that's why he brought him here.
"We both want to take the club back to the Premier League. We did it with Hull and we have the hunger and desire to do to again. The manager's brought in other players with that attitude as well."
Nick Blackman opened the scoring in the ninth minute with his sixth of the campaign and Garath McCleary added a second four minutes later in his first start of the season, but Quinn revealed:
"At the moment Nick can walk on water, but he was disappointed after the game because he knows he could've had more. That's the measure of the man and that's what the gaffer wants to see.
"Garath played with Jamaica in the summer and did well, but he came back with a couple of tears in his calf. The gaffer managed him really well. It was his chance today and he proved he's a real good talent. He's very athletic, can go left or right and stuck one in today that was a real beauty."
Quinn is also enjoying working with boss Steve Clarke and said:
"He's meticulous in his work and makes it enjoyable. He's been brilliant. I've worked with some top managers like Steve Bruce and Neil Warnock and he's probably one of the best - actually THE best. His coaching and management style is second to none.
And Clarke was just as pleased with the attitude of his players. He said:
"I'm happy with the squad we have assembled and delighted with the way the players are performing on the pitch and working on the training ground. I would think it is a good time to be a Reading fan."
Meanwhile, City central defender Aden Flint admitted the Robins struggled, but said:
"The team spirit is still there. When times are hard, that's when team spirit comes into play. The mood in the changing room is a bit down now, but we'll rally around each other and keep encouraging each other."
The defeat left City in the drop zone without a home win this term and manager Steve Cotterill said:
"We've given the opposition a start, which we've done too many times this season. From then on I don't think we properly got into our stride. We couldn't get going and that was disappointing."
Bristol Rovers 0 Accrington Stanley 1 - Archive
Billy Kee took less than two minutes to make an impact and unlock Rovers defence.
Super sub Kee scored with a spectacular six yard overhead kick from Adam Buxton's corner after coming off the bench in the 66th minute.
Accrington boss John Coleman was delighted with his side's first away win and said:
"Any win is a good one. It doesn't matter where it happens.
"Every player I've asked to do a job today has done it. I don't think we'd scored from open play in eight or nine hours and so it's good to get that monkey off our back. It gives the lads a bit of belief."
Kee's debut goal following a summer move from Scunthorpe brought a dismal game to life.
Stanley keeper Jason Mooney needed to be at his best to turn away a 25 yard free kick from midfielder Chris Lines in the 85th minute, but was relieved to see a diving header from central defender Tom Parkes fly wide seconds later.
And opposite number Lee Nicholls did well to save an 88th minute shot from substitute Shay McCartan with his feet before watching midfielder Matt Crooks miss a sitter from eight yards in injury time.
Before Kee's winner neither team posed a serious threat as they both struggled to make a telling pass within sight of the opposing area.
Stanley skipper Terry Gornell did appear to have a good claim for a penalty one minute before the break when he was dragged to the deck by central defender Tom Lockyer, but referee Kevin Johnson waved play on.
Frustrated Rovers manager Darrell Clarke said:
"I don't want an over-reaction because we've lost three games on the bounce. It's easy to push the panic button - we won't do that. We'll stick together as a group."
Super sub Kee scored with a spectacular six yard overhead kick from Adam Buxton's corner after coming off the bench in the 66th minute.
Accrington boss John Coleman was delighted with his side's first away win and said:
"Any win is a good one. It doesn't matter where it happens.
"Every player I've asked to do a job today has done it. I don't think we'd scored from open play in eight or nine hours and so it's good to get that monkey off our back. It gives the lads a bit of belief."
Kee's debut goal following a summer move from Scunthorpe brought a dismal game to life.
Stanley keeper Jason Mooney needed to be at his best to turn away a 25 yard free kick from midfielder Chris Lines in the 85th minute, but was relieved to see a diving header from central defender Tom Parkes fly wide seconds later.
And opposite number Lee Nicholls did well to save an 88th minute shot from substitute Shay McCartan with his feet before watching midfielder Matt Crooks miss a sitter from eight yards in injury time.
Before Kee's winner neither team posed a serious threat as they both struggled to make a telling pass within sight of the opposing area.
Stanley skipper Terry Gornell did appear to have a good claim for a penalty one minute before the break when he was dragged to the deck by central defender Tom Lockyer, but referee Kevin Johnson waved play on.
Frustrated Rovers manager Darrell Clarke said:
"I don't want an over-reaction because we've lost three games on the bounce. It's easy to push the panic button - we won't do that. We'll stick together as a group."
Walsall 0 Bury 1 - Archive
Craig Jones scored Bury's first winner of the season, but it was keeper Rob Lainton who made sure of the points.
Jones knocked table toppers Walsall off top spot with a well worked opener in the sixth minute in his first start of the league campaign.
Midfielder Andrew Tutte picked out Jones as he darted into the box from the right flank and the winger coolly stroked the ball into the bottom far corner for his first goal of the season.
Delighted Bury boss David Flitcroft said:
"A lot of hard miles have gone into that result. It was a back-to-the-walls performance against a very good team."
It then became the Rob Lainton show as the Shakers keeper stunned the Bescot faithful with a string of super stops.
Midfielder Sam Mantom was the first to force Lainton into a full length diving save in the 23rd minute.
Lainton had to be at his best twice more just before the break to palm a point blank header from central defender James O'Connor behind and beat away a twenty yard goal bound shot from striker Romaine Sawyers.
Twelve minutes into the second half Lainton showed his class again with an agile diving save to shut out a Mantom drive from the right side of the area that was heading for the top corner.
When Lainton was eventually beaten by a glancing header from striker Tom Bradhaw two minutes later, central defender Peter Clarke nodded the threat off the line.
And in added time former Bolton youth prospect Lainton did well again to block a swerving 25 yard shot from Mantom.
Walsall manager Dean Smith was frustrated by his team's first league defeat, but said:
"I can't have asked for any more from my players. They didn't come here to park the bus, but ended up doing so."
Jones knocked table toppers Walsall off top spot with a well worked opener in the sixth minute in his first start of the league campaign.
Midfielder Andrew Tutte picked out Jones as he darted into the box from the right flank and the winger coolly stroked the ball into the bottom far corner for his first goal of the season.
Delighted Bury boss David Flitcroft said:
"A lot of hard miles have gone into that result. It was a back-to-the-walls performance against a very good team."
It then became the Rob Lainton show as the Shakers keeper stunned the Bescot faithful with a string of super stops.
Midfielder Sam Mantom was the first to force Lainton into a full length diving save in the 23rd minute.
Lainton had to be at his best twice more just before the break to palm a point blank header from central defender James O'Connor behind and beat away a twenty yard goal bound shot from striker Romaine Sawyers.
Twelve minutes into the second half Lainton showed his class again with an agile diving save to shut out a Mantom drive from the right side of the area that was heading for the top corner.
When Lainton was eventually beaten by a glancing header from striker Tom Bradhaw two minutes later, central defender Peter Clarke nodded the threat off the line.
And in added time former Bolton youth prospect Lainton did well again to block a swerving 25 yard shot from Mantom.
Walsall manager Dean Smith was frustrated by his team's first league defeat, but said:
"I can't have asked for any more from my players. They didn't come here to park the bus, but ended up doing so."
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