Owen Dale arguably had his most productive performance in the first team on Saturday with his pace and directness causing Accrington Stanley problems all afternoon. Dale’s end product was first class and after his far post cross had seen Chris Porter hit the post early on, he won the second half penalty that Porter then converted and then it was his blistering run that resulted in Mark Hughes being sent-off for a professional foul.

Dale was through on goal and looking to score his second goal of the season to go with the one he netted recently against Everton Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.

Dale told the club’s official website: “It was a great performance from all the lads, especially with what happened with the referees and the long delay at half-time. I thought we were all very professional and it was a mature performance from us.

“We had a job to do and we did it. We played some great football and we are all full of confidence at the minute and I am really enjoying playing in this team.

“It has been the end product that was missing from my game in recent performances but I felt I had that (against Accrington) and I was pleased to have won the penalty for Ports to make it 2-0.

“I was gutted when the defender chopped me down because I was through. It led to a red card and made things even more comfortable for us, so I felt I contributed to the team.

Dale added: “All the lads played well, it was a great performance. It is another away win and the lads are all buzzing.”