Accrington ST kicked off their pre‑season with a convincing 3‑0 win at Chorley, a result that manager John Doolan called a sign of a strengthening squad. Charlie Caton netted a brace while Josh Woods added a goal, giving the Reds three second‑half strikes and another clean sheet.
How did the match unfold?
The game stayed goalless in the first half, but Accrington ST’s pressure paid off after the break. Caton struck in the 55th minute and doubled the lead ten minutes later, with Woods finishing the scoring in the 78th. Doolan noted the team moved the ball well and showed “quality in the final third,” a phrase that summed up the Reds’ attacking intent.
Why is Doolan so pleased with his strikers?
The manager emphasized that strikers must work hard first and then find the net, a balance he believes Caton and Woods are hitting. “It’s good for them personally and for the team,” Doolan told the club website, adding that the duo’s goals reflect the growing confidence within the squad. He also praised the overall attitude, saying the players kept standards high throughout both halves.
What does this mean for the squad’s depth?
Doolan stressed that no player has a guaranteed starting spot, highlighting competition as a key driver of performance. He pointed to the recent pre‑season fixtures – a 0‑0 draw with Blackburn Rovers and a 1‑0 win over Bradford City – as evidence that the team’s tempo and intensity have “gone through the roof.” The manager believes this internal rivalry will keep the squad sharp as the League Two campaign looms.
Which young players are emerging?
Goalkeeper James Rogerson received special mention, with Doolan noting his rapid development under keeper coach Matt Gilks. Rogerson is learning alongside veteran Louis Moulden, and the manager expects the youngster to push the first‑choice keeper for minutes. This focus on youth aligns with Accrington ST’s 2025 season finish – 16th in League Two with 53 points, a record of 14W‑11D‑21L and a recent form of LDDLL.
What lies ahead for Accrington ST?
The Reds have two more pre‑season matches at home against Bury and Sheffield Wednesday before traveling to Crewe Alexandra for the Carabao Cup first round on August 8. Their League Two opener is set for next week at home to Colchester United. Doolan wants the same hunger and desire to carry into those games, urging the squad to maintain the standards they displayed against Chorley.
Key takeaway: Accrington ST’s 3‑0 win, combined with a strong defensive record and emerging talent, suggests a squad ready to challenge the league, even as they sit 34 points behind leaders Bromley.
