Four-star second half show seals it for Stanley.

The Mariners faced their toughest pre-season test to date at the Marine Travel Arena this afternoon and were comprehensively beaten by the League 2 side.

Lloyd Ellams created an early chance for himself as he slalomed past two Stanley defenders before pulling the trigger, his effort on goal being thwarted by a tremendous block from Liam Goulding for the visitors. At the other end Max Hazeldine forced Matt Cooper into a fine save before the ball was played back across goal and a Reds' trialist crashed his shot against the bar and away to safety.

Chad Whyte then bustled his way through the Accrington defence before finishing well, however his initial challenge was deemed unfair thus denying him a second goal in as many games. Ellams and Jamie Menagh then had efforts comfortably held by Stanley 'keeper Mooney, whilst Accrington's Kealan Steenson saw his curling free-kick strike the outside of Cooper's left-hand post.

The Whites best period of the game then saw Ellams and Carl Peers combine to free Menagh who advanced down the left, but the former Chester man's attempted lob finished tamely in the hands of Mooney. Menagh then earned the Whites two corners in quick succession, and from the second of these his excellent delivery was met by Liam Willis whose header flew just wide of the far post.

The Lancastrians finished the half strongly with efforts from Hazeldine and ex-Marine loanee Marcus Carver missing the target, before an inswinging corner from Gerardo Bruna almost caught out Cooper who somehow pushed the ball onto the bar before it was scrambled away to ensure the game remained goaless at half-time.

The visitors made eleven changes at the break, and were ahead straight from the restart as the ball was played out to Piero Mingoia on the right. The winger's cross found former Liverpool youngster Adam Morgan who provided a deadly finish via Cooper's left-hand upright to break the deadlock as supporters were still finishing their half-time cuppas.

Five minutes later Mingoia again sent over a teasing cross which Willis almost bundled into his own net but recovered well to clear. The visitors were not to be denied however and Matt Crooks' mazy run saw him feed Morgan whose first-time effort from 25 yards flew over Cooper to double their advantage.

On the hour mark Crooks headed home from a free-kick but was denied by the Assistant's flag, before Morgan was denied his hat-trick by the same post he had hit earlier on, the ball on this occasion rebounding the right side of the goal line from the Mariners' perspective. Sean McConville's shot was then blocked by a teammate, the ball falling to Billy Kee who dragged his shot wide with the goal gaping.

As the game entered the final ten minutes Lee saw another effort parried by substitute 'keeper Mitchison. Menagh then provided an inviting cross at the other end which almost found Rob Gilroy, only being denied by a crucial and certainly non-comedic challenge from Adam Buxton. Menagh then latched onto an underhit back-pass but saw his attempt to capitalise blocked by 'keeper Etheridge.

The visitors added to their tally after 84 minutes as Seamus Conneely applied the finishing touch to a McConville cross. Stanley refused to rest on their laurels and made it four with the last kick of the game, as Kee converted another cross from the right to wrap up a comprehensive victory for the full-time outfit.

Marine continue their pre-season preparations with a "visit" to AFC Liverpool on Tuesday evening at the Marine Travel Arena.

Marine starting XI: Matt Cooper, Stephen Wainwright, James Short, Liam Willis, James Foley, Junior Conte, Lloyd Ellams, Carl Peers, Chad Whyte, Jamie Menagh, Sean Myler.

Accrington starting XI: Jason Mooney, A Trialist, Gerardo Bruna, Liam Goulding, Dean Winnard, Matt Pearson, A Trialist, Kealan Steenson, Max Hazeldine, Marcus Carver, Shay McCartan.

Goals: Morgan (46, 52), Conneely (84), Lee (90).

Referee: Mr Matthew Parry
Assistants: Mr Stuart Morland and Mr Mark Ryder

Attendance: 305