Josh Woods earns high praise from Accrington boss after winner against Barrow

Accrington manager John Doolan praised substitute Josh Woods after he headed home a last-minute winner in the 2-1 victory over managerless Barrow.

A deflected 22-yard strike from Benn Ward gave Stanley the lead in the 30th minute before Charlie McCann equalised in the 41st minute.

Josh Gordon fired over from close range in the 83rd minute, which could have given the Bluebirds their first win in nine Sky Bet League Two attempts.

Instead Woods headed home Shaun Whalley’s free-kick at the death for a Stanley win after successive defeats.

Doolan said: “Josh needed that goal. He has had his critics but we have to challenge him.

“He is a centre-forward, he needs to score goals, have assists, put a shift in. He has qualities but needs to keep working on them.

“He did all that we asked him when he came on and he got his rewards for his hard work.

“I am very pleased. We challenged the lads to win the game, it was a big game as Barrow are just below us in the league and we had to get over the line which we did.

“We started with a fantastic tempo and the game should have been out of sight by half-time.

“We created chances but only took the one through Benn. Benn Ward is a colossus for us. He is a brilliant defender, he can deal with ball and what a strike for the goal. He had a bit of luck with a deflection but his shot was on target.

“The second half was open and it did look like it would be a draw but thankfully we got the win.”

Interim manager Neil McDonald has been in charge for three games following Andy Whing’s departure and knows his side need that elusive win.

Captain Niall Canavan went over to talk to the travelling fans at the final whistle.

McDonald said: “Football can be very cruel and sometimes you don’t get what you deserve. We deserved at least a point and came close to three points but it was not to be.

“We have conceded another two goals which is disappointing – one from a deflection and another a simple header, a soft goal.

“We are just a little bit too soft at defending and we have to be more aggressive and ruthless.

“The players have to stand up, they can’t feel sorry for themselves.

“We have to move onto the next game and make sure we are trying to put in our best performances.

“The players are giving everything but falling short at crucial moments.

“In the three games I have been here, I have been happy with performances but we have just been heavily punished in moments. I am just carrying on with trying to get that elusive win.”