Wanderers Reserves boss Sam Hird was disappointed to see his side let a two-goal lead slip in their Central League Cup opener against Accrington Stanley.

George Thomason and Mitchell Henry gave the Whites a commanding lead at the break, but Stanley hit back through a Jovan Malcolm brace and an Alex Baptiste own goal.

Nathan Delfouneso struck a vital goal in the final stages at Lostock to salvage a point for Hird’s men.

“I thought in the first half we controlled large parts of the game,” said Hird. “Obviously coming in at 2-0, really happy. I thought we played to the third line relatively well.

“But that’s something we spoke to them about at half-time, about doing better to beat the press and go and play off the three frontmen.

“In the second half, we didn’t really get to grips with the reaction that they gave. We had a 20, 25-minute spell where we conceded some sloppy goals.

“We made the subs. They gave us a massive impetus, good energy and I thought for the last 20 minutes we started to come on a lot stronger.

“We got the goal and could have had one more. I think on reflection, a draw is a fair result which is disappointing for how comfortable we were in the first half.”

Henry was one of Wanderers' standout performers at Lostock and Hird is pleased with the youngster's progress.

“I thought he was good,” he added. “I thought he led the line well. He’s still got lots to work on but his energy was good.

“He’s obviously a problem for centre-backs and he was in the right place at the right time to get his goal.”

Hird's men are back in action on Tuesday, October 12 against Fleetwood Town.